Cornell University Faces Lawsuit Over Alleged Fraternity Assault

A former student of Cornell University has initiated legal proceedings against the institution and seven members of the Chi Phi fraternity, alleging that she was drugged and sexually assaulted at their house in October 2024. The plaintiff, referred to as Jane Doe in the lawsuit, was 20 years old at the time of the incident, which reportedly occurred after she visited the fraternity following a night of drinking. The lawsuit was filed on September 16 in the New York Supreme Court, highlighting serious accusations against both the university and the fraternity members for their alleged failure to ensure her safety.

The complaint details that the woman was pressured into consuming a substance claimed to be ketamine by two fraternity members before the assault took place. Following the initial incident, a message was allegedly shared in a fraternity Snapchat group chat, which prompted more fraternity members to arrive and participate in the assault, which reportedly lasted until early morning hours. The lawsuit underscores the gravity of the situation, asserting that the university did not take adequate measures to protect her or respond appropriately to the allegations.

Approximately three weeks after the alleged assault, the woman reported the incident to Cornell's police department, leading to an internal investigation by the university. Her attorney, Thomas Giuffra, criticized the university's response, noting that only two of the accused fraternity members faced expulsion, while others received lighter disciplinary actions. He emphasized that none of the accused were arrested, despite the serious nature of the allegations. The Tompkins County District Attorney's Office reviewed the police investigation but concluded that there was not enough evidence to pursue criminal charges.

The lawsuit accuses both Cornell University and the fraternity members of breach of contract, negligence, and violations of state law. The former student, who left Cornell following the incident, is seeking both compensatory and punitive damages. In response, Cornell University acknowledged the allegations, describing the behavior at the Chi Phi fraternity house as unacceptable and stating that the fraternity chapter remains barred from campus. The university also mentioned that it has established a task force on sexual assault to address such incidents more effectively.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the lawsuit aims to hold Cornell University and the fraternity accountable for the alleged assault and the surrounding circumstances. The case has raised significant concerns regarding the handling of sexual assault allegations within university settings, prompting discussions about the need for improved protections and responses for students facing such traumatic experiences.