Cornell University trustees announced Tuesday that former Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates will conduct an independent review of the university's procedures for handling sexual misconduct complaints. The review comes amid significant student and public outcry over the university's response to allegations of a 2024 gang rape at a fraternity house.
Yates, who served as deputy attorney general in the Obama administration, will examine how Cornell investigates sexual assault and harassment reports, the support provided to students, the disciplinary process, campus police response, and the oversight of student organizations. The announcement follows days of protests and demonstrations by Cornell students, faculty, and others who have expressed anger over the university's handling of the matter.
The case gained widespread attention after a woman, identified publicly as Jane Doe, filed a complaint with campus police in November 2024. She alleged she was sexually assaulted by multiple members of the Chi Phi fraternity the previous month after being pressured to consume alcohol and drugs. No criminal charges have been filed in connection with the incident.
In response to the allegations, the Chi Phi chapter at Cornell was shut down. The university has stated that some students involved have been expelled and others suspended. Doe filed a lawsuit last month against Cornell, seven former students, the fraternity, and others, bringing increased national scrutiny to the case and the reactions of campus police, the university, and local prosecutors.
New York's attorney general is currently conducting a criminal investigation into the matter. The state's governor had previously called for an independent review of Cornell's response, which Yates will now lead.
Yates brings extensive experience in the Justice Department, where she served for decades, including as the top federal prosecutor in Atlanta and as deputy attorney general. She gained national prominence in January 2017 when, as acting attorney general, she directed Justice Department attorneys not to defend the constitutionality of President Donald Trump's travel ban. She was subsequently dismissed from her position.
Earlier in her tenure, Yates also reportedly expressed concerns to the Trump White House about contacts between incoming national security adviser Michael Flynn and the Russian ambassador during the presidential transition period. Flynn was later removed from his post.
Since leaving the Justice Department, Yates has been in private practice at the law firm King & Spalding, where her work has included conducting independent investigations for various organizations. Notably, she led a high-profile inquiry into alleged abuse and misconduct within the National Women’s Soccer League, which concluded in 2022 with findings of systemic abuse.