Cornell Rape Investigation Controversy
A series of legal and institutional responses to alleged gang rape incidents at Cornell University involving fraternity members and subsequent judicial actions.
January 2024
Tompkins County DA closed Cornell rape investigation without charges
Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten closed the investigation into the Cornell rape allegations without filing charges. The initial investigation was closed without charges in 2024.
Source ↗Woman made statement to police regarding alleged Cornell University incident
A woman made a statement to police regarding an alleged incident at a Cornell University fraternity. This statement was made two years prior to the post's publication date.
Source ↗Former Cornell University student alleges sexual assault at fraternity
A former Cornell University student alleged she was sexually assaulted at a school fraternity. This allegation forms the basis of a civil lawsuit.
Source ↗Accuser alleges gang rape by Chi Phi fraternity members
An accuser alleged she was pressured to take ketamine and assaulted and raped by seven members of the Chi Phi fraternity. The incident occurred at Cornell University's all-male club.
Source ↗September 2024
Cornell shuts down Chi Phi fraternity and suspends students
Following initial allegations, Cornell University shut down the Chi Phi fraternity. Two accused male students were subsequently suspended.
Source ↗Woman files lawsuit against Chi Phi fraternity over assault
A woman filed a complaint alleging sexual assault at the Chi Phi fraternity house. The lawsuit claims she was incapacitated after being pressured into using ketamine, marijuana, and alcohol.
Source ↗November 2024
Tompkins County District Attorney investigated Cornell allegations
Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten's office was aware of allegations concerning the Cornell University incident in November 2024. The office was assessing the case at that time.
Source ↗September 2026
Woman filed civil lawsuit regarding Cornell rape allegations
The woman involved in the Cornell rape allegations filed a civil lawsuit. This action brought new attention to the case.
Source ↗District Attorney reopens investigation into Cornell University allegations
Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten announced the reopening of the investigation into the alleged 'gang rape' at a Cornell University fraternity. This action followed a civil lawsuit filed earlier that month.
Source ↗Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez condemns Cornell's 'culture of rape'
New York Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez condemned the events at Cornell. She stated that the group chat messages indicated an acceptable culture among the men involved.
Source ↗October 2026
New York Governor appoints Letitia James to oversee Cornell investigation
New York Governor Kathy Hochul appointed the office of New York Attorney General Letitia James as the special prosecutor. This appointment was made to oversee the investigation into the Cornell rape allegations.
Source ↗Cornell suspends fraternity parties for academic year
Cornell University suspended fraternities' parties and social events for the remaining academic year. President Michael Kotlikoff announced the suspension to allow for a review of fraternity life.
Source ↗