NY AG Launches Review into Alleged 'Cornell 7' Gang Rape Case
Letitia James' office will examine Cornell University's protocols for handling sexual assault cases.
New York Attorney General Letitia James announced a civil review into Cornell University's protocols for handling sexual assault cases, stemming from the alleged "Cornell 7" gang rape incident.
The review, initiated by James' office, will focus on how the university managed the situation and whether its protocols can be improved to better protect students, particularly victims of sexual assault. James clarified that her office possesses civil, not criminal, jurisdiction in this matter.
The case gained public attention when a former Cornell student filed a lawsuit alleging she was raped at the Chi Phi fraternity house in 2024. The lawsuit criticized Cornell's internal Title IX investigation, claiming that only two of the seven accused students were expelled after numerous hearings.
Cornell University has denied these claims, stating that it acted in accordance with police procedures and banned the Chi Phi chapter from campus. The Tompkins County District Attorney's office has separately stated that it has reopened a criminal investigation into the alleged rape.
Governor Kathy Hochul and other elected officials have also called for investigations into the case. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez previously criticized Cornell and other institutions for allegedly protecting a "culture of rape" and sexual assault.