Editor’s note: This article references sexual assault.
Cornell has agreed to move forward with an “independent review” of its handling of the alleged 2024 Chi Phi gang rape, according to a Wednesday post from Gov. Kathy Hochul (D-N.Y.).
The review follows criticism surrounding the University’s handling of an alleged sexual assault and drugging that occured in 2024 at Cornell’s Chi Phi house. The case has resurfaced in the public eye after the alleged victim filed a Sept. 14 lawsuit against the University, Chi Phi and others.
The University has faced backlash after the lawsuit alleged that the seven defendants accused of assault were allowed to “mitigate their conduct” with essays. Kyle Kimball later denied that essay-writing was the “sole consequence” offered to any of the defendants and confirmed that Cornell issued expulsions and suspensions following a Title IX investigation and hearing panel.
Hochul previously requested a “transparent, independent review” of the University’s response to the allegations in a Tuesday statement. She called for “outside counsel” to “determine whether Cornell met every obligation to protect its students and pursue justice.”
On Wednesday, in a recorded video, Hochul stated that she spoke to President Michael Kotlikoff and that the University “understand[s] the importance” of the review.
She added to expect an announcement from the University “in a fairly short order” — but did not specify when the announcement would be made or who will comprise the outside counsel.
Hochul’s announcement follows additional calls for independent review of the University’s actions in 2024.
Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) called for a “truly independent and exhaustive investigation” into the handling of the case on Wednesday. He wrote that he hopes to leave “no stone unturned.”
The office of Attorney General Letitia James (D-N.Y.) confirmed on Tuesday that it is reviewing Cornell’s response to the allegations, though it is unclear if its review will be separate from the one Hochul mentioned in her post.
Varsha Bhargava is a member of the Class of 2027 in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. She is the managing editor of the 144th Editorial Board and was a news editor for the 143rd Editorial Board. She can be reached at vbhargava@cornellsun.com.
Atticus Johnson is a member of the Class of 2028 in the College of Arts and Sciences. He is a news editor for the 144th Editorial Board and can be reached at ajohnson@cornellsun.com.
