The presidents of all 22 Cornell Interfraternity Council fraternities voted unanimously on Wednesday to cancel all social fraternity events this weekend, according to internal communications obtained by The Sun.
The decision comes in response to a former Cornell student’s Sept. 14 lawsuit alleging that she was sexually assaulted and gang raped after being coerced into consuming drugs at Cornell’s Chi Phi fraternity house in 2024. A criminal investigation into the incident was reopened by the Tompkins County District Attorney on Monday.
IFC’s vote was confirmed to The Sun by multiple people close to the decision.
The IFC also voted unanimously to cancel all social fraternity activities the weekend after the Chi Phi chapter was suspended in November 2024 for allegations of sexual violence following the incident.
“We made strides in the immediate aftermath [of the incident], and efforts and initiatives continue today,” wrote the IFC executive board in a Wednesday email to fraternity members obtained by The Sun.
The Cornell Panhellenic Council stated it unequivocally supports the decision, according to internal communications obtained by The Sun.
The decision to cancel social events was shared with Panhellenic Council leadership, who shared this update with their chapter members.
The announcement follows Mayor Robert Cantelmo M.A. ’20 calling for a moratorium on all student and special event permits, including permits for events hosted by Greek life, on Monday. Cantelmo stated this decision is a result of the University’s “appalling response” to the alleged gang rape.
The Ithaca Common Council will vote on the resolution on Oct. 7.
IFC’s email also referenced its statement from Nov. 15, 2024, which reads: “The Cornell Interfraternity Council is committed to the health and safety of all members and guests. We find all forms of sexual misconduct unacceptable and strongly condemn the use of any illegal substances. We extend our sincerest sympathies to the survivor(s).”
“This statement remains true today, just as it was then,” reads the Wednesday email.
Update, Oct. 1, 3:14 a.m.: This article has been updated to add that IFC also voted unanimously to cancel all social events the weekend after Chi Phi was suspended in 2024 for the alleged sexual violence incident.
Giselle Redmond is a member of the Class of 2028 in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. She is an assistant news editor for the 144th Editorial Board and can be reached at gredmond@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.
