Sally Yates to Review Cornell's Handling of Sexual Misconduct Claims

Former Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates will conduct a review of how Cornell University handles sexual misconduct complaints, the university's trustees announced Tuesday. The assessment comes amid significant backlash over the university's response to allegations of a 2024 gang rape at a fraternity house.

Yates, who served as Deputy Attorney General during the Obama administration, will examine the Ivy League university's investigation processes for sexual assault and harassment claims, student support services, disciplinary procedures, campus police responses, and oversight of student organizations including fraternities and sororities.

The review was initiated following widespread outrage and protests after a woman, identified publicly as Jane Doe, reported to campus police in November 2024 that she had been sexually assaulted by multiple members of the Chi Phi fraternity the previous month. She alleged she was pressured into consuming alcohol and drugs prior to the assault.

No criminal charges have been filed in the case. The Cornell chapter of Chi Phi has been shut down, and the university has expelled some students and suspended others, according to reports.

Doe filed a lawsuit last month against Cornell, seven former students, the fraternity, and other parties. The lawsuit has drawn national attention to the allegations and the reactions from campus police, the university, and the local prosecutor.

New York's Attorney General is currently conducting a criminal investigation into the matter, and the state's governor had previously called for an independent review, which Yates will now lead. Protests have occurred on campus, with students, faculty, and others expressing dissatisfaction with Cornell's handling of the situation.