Journalist Clashes With City Council Over Cornell Rape Allegations and Due Process
Commentator Michael Tracey confronts Ithaca officials, questioning their handling of allegations against the "Cornell 7" and a decision to halt Greek life events.
Political commentator Michael Tracey was recorded shouting at the Ithaca Common Council during a public comment session, accusing the council of failing to afford due process to seven individuals accused of gang rape in a civil lawsuit. The council had voted to temporarily suspend permits for Cornell University and student organizations to host events until November 5.
The council's decision cited the university's handling of an alleged gang rape of a student, identified as Jane Doe, at the Chi Phi fraternity house in 2024. Doe filed a civil lawsuit last month, claiming she was coerced into taking drugs and sexually assaulted by seven members of the fraternity two years prior. Prosecutors previously determined there was insufficient evidence to pursue criminal charges. Cornell launched a Title IX investigation and shut down the fraternity.
Tracey accused the council of disregarding his public comment request and stated, "You should be ashamed for using the power of your office to conclusory declare that any American citizen has committed crimes as heinous as gang rape before any semblance of an adjudicative process." He further alleged that the resolution was designed to extract maximum settlement money and questioned the council's due diligence in corroborating the claims, calling the move an attempt to prevent sexual assault without an empirical basis.
Ithaca Ward 2 Alderperson Ducson Nguyen called Tracey's claim about his comment card being discarded "inconceivably stupid." He added that halting Greek life parties while demanding greater accountability from Cornell leadership was "the absolute least we could do."
The resolution passed 9-1, with an amendment requiring Cornell to transfer sex and violent crime investigations to the Ithaca Police Department, though enforcement details were not specified.
The allegations have led to broader scrutiny, with New York Attorney General Letitia James opening an "active criminal investigation." Cornell has also hired Sally Yates, a former Obama-appointed justice official, to investigate the university's response to the allegations.
According to Doe's lawsuit filing, the events of October 19, 2024, involved underage drinking, a fraternity party, and alleged drugging with ketamine. The lawsuit claims that as Doe became disoriented, other men entered the room and messages were sent to the Chi Phi Snapchat group inviting others to join, with one message reportedly saying "free pussy upstairs." Doe stated she lost consciousness and later reported the incident to police three weeks later. Prosecutors declined to press charges due to insufficient evidence.