Sally Yates Tapped to Lead Cornell's Investigation into Handling of Gang Rape Allegations

Cornell University has appointed Sally Yates, a former Deputy Attorney General under the Obama administration, to lead an independent investigation into the university's response to gang rape allegations. The review will examine the Ivy League institution's overall approach to preventing and responding to sexual harassment, sexual assault, and related misconduct on campus.

Yates, who has a long career in the Justice Department and is known for her principled stance against the Trump administration's travel ban, will oversee an examination of Cornell's policies, practices, and resources. This includes how reports of misconduct are received and investigated, the handling of disciplinary decisions, and the coordination between campus police and external law enforcement agencies. The investigation will also assess the oversight of fraternities and sororities.

The review is being conducted separately from the criminal investigation into the alleged conduct of seven former fraternity brothers, which is being handled by the New York Attorney General's office. The allegations stem from a civil lawsuit filed in September by a former student, identified as Jane Doe, who claims she was gang raped at the Chi Phi fraternity house on October 19, 2024. The lawsuit details claims of incapacitation due to substances provided at the fraternity house before the alleged assaults occurred.

In response to the allegations, Cornell University expelled two students allegedly involved, suspended two others, and barred a graduating student from campus. The accuser reportedly told investigators she was "100 percent" confident she had been raped.

Cornell University Police reportedly sent letters to Verizon and T-Mobile requesting preservation of data related to the case, though it remains unclear if subpoenas were issued or if the District Attorney's office was aware of the request. The District Attorney's office, which initially declined to file charges, has since reopened the case.

Anne Meining Smalling, chair of Cornell's Board of Trustees, stated that Yates's extensive experience, independence, and judgment are crucial for this work. "We want to understand not just what happened in 2024, but how Cornell can become a leader in preventing sexual violence, supporting those who come forward and responding to allegations rigorously, fairly and compassionately," Smalling said.

Yates, now in private practice, has previously led high-profile independent investigations, including one into allegations of abuse and misconduct within the National Women's Soccer League. The findings and recommendations from her investigation into Cornell's handling of sexual misconduct claims are expected to be reported to a special committee of the Board of Trustees, which will then share them with the university community. Protests have occurred on campus following the filing of the lawsuit.