Cornell released its 2026 Annual Security Report on Tuesday morning, revealing decreases in reported on-campus rape and dating violence, but increased stalking incident reports and non-campus building rape reports.
The notice was sent in an email to the Cornell community by Cornell Police Chief Eric Stickel, University Fire Marshall Timothy Ryan and David Honan, associate vice president for public safety.
Under federal law, Cornell is required to publish an annual security report. It provides crime statistics from the previous three years, including reported crimes occurring on campus, in certain Cornell-owned buildings and properties, student organization spaces and public areas accessible from campus.
A majority of crime reports decreased from 2024 to 2025, according to the report. On-campus reports of rape declined from 28 reported cases in 2024 to six in 2025, reports of fondling decreased from 22 reported cases to seven and reports of dating violence decreased from 35 reported cases to 14.
However, reports of stalking increased from 22 reported cases in 2024 to 31 in 2025.
The data also show that liquor-law violations remain the most common disciplinary issue, with 396 referrals in 2025, compared to 322 drug-law referrals in 2024.
In addition to crime statistics, the report outlines Cornell’s policies and procedures for responding to sexual and interpersonal violence, alcohol and other drug use, hazing, emergency situations and other campus safety concerns. The 2026 report also reflects recent changes, including new federal hazing reporting requirements under the Stop Campus Hazing Act and updates to Cornell’s Student Code of Conduct.
Arson reports also fluctuated, dropping from 16 reported cases in 2023 to three in 2024 before rising to seven in 2025, with reported incidents occurring on campus and in on-campus residential facilities.
Hazing reports emerged as a newly introduced figure, with 18 incidents reported in 2025 following a recent reporting requirement.
Hate crimes remained present: in 2025, Cornell reported one incident of vandalism motivated by race and one incident of intimidation motivated by ethnicity.
Cornell community members who would like a physical copy of the Annual Security Report can request one through the Public Safety Communications Center by call or in-person at G2 Barton Hall. Copies can also be requested by contacting the University Clery Compliance Office at clerycompliance@cornell.edu.
Kristie To is a member of the Class of 2028 in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Kristie is a senior writer for the News department and can be reached at kto@cornellsun.com.
