Cornell University President Michael Kotlikoff broke his silence over mounting criticism of the university’s handling of allegations that a student was sexually assaulted at a fraternity house in 2024, calling the case “deeply disturbing” and “a defining moment” in Cornell’s history.
In an eight-minute video statement released Oct. 3 by the university, Kotlikoff said the allegations involving Jane Doe raise “heartbreaking and troubling issues about sexual assault, dehumanization and aspects of party culture, alcohol and drug use.”
“What happened to Jane Doe in 2024 is deeply disturbing and will weigh heavily on our community for years to come,” Kotlikoff said.
Kotlikoff acknowledged that Cornell does not have all the answers about how the case
was handled and said the university has to “do better.” He said Cornell’s board of trustees will announce next week an independent review by an outside law firm into the university’s handling of the 2024 case.
What Cornell's president said
Kotlikoff said Cornell supports New York Gov. Kathy Hochul’s decision to have state Attorney General Letitia James oversee the criminal investigation into the allegations.
James announced Oct. 2 that her office had opened an investigation after Hochul called for a new look at the case. Kotlikoff said Cornell would cooperate with the investigation and the independent review.
The president also backed efforts to change New York’s sexual assault law, which has faced criticism because voluntary intoxication does not automatically establish that a person was legally incapable of consenting to sexual activity.
Hochul has vowed to help change the law, saying, “Voluntary intoxication is not a license for sexual assault or gang rape. Period,” CNN reported.
Kotlikoff also addressed criticism of Cornell’s public communications about the case. He said the university would make a greater effort to explain what it can, provide context about its actions and be more transparent within legal and policy limits.
Scrutiny of 2024 investigation
The president’s statement comes as Cornell faces questions about its response after the student reported the alleged assault to Cornell police in November 2024.
Doe, who was 20 at the time, alleged in a September lawsuit that she was gang-raped by members of Cornell’s Chi Phi fraternity on Oct. 19, 2024. No fraternity members have been criminally charged.
Cornell police provided prosecutors with a six-page statement from Doe. When a Cornell police investigator later contacted the Tompkins County District Attorney’s Office about additional evidence, including further interviews, prosecutors declined to review it because they had already decided criminal charges would not be pursued, CNN reported.
District Attorney Matthew Van Houten previously defended the decision not to bring charges, but on Oct. 2 said he may not have been provided “the full picture.”
Cornell to review Greek life on campus
Kotlikoff said Cornell will also reexamine the role of Greek organizations on campus.
“We will reengage students, alumni, and other members of our community to examine how we preserve what is valuable about Greek life while strengthening individual accountability, transparency, and a culture in which every member understands their responsibility to protect the safety and well-being of others,” he said.
Cornell canceled all social fraternity events for the weekend as criticism intensified. Student groups are planning protests for Monday, Oct. 5, CNN reported.
Kotlikoff said Cornell will also work to strengthen programs involving sexual assault prevention and education, mental health and substance use.
“I believe that change starts with us, the Cornell community,” he said.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, RAINN's National Sexual Assault Hotline offers free, confidential, 24/7 support in English and Spanish via chat and at 800-656-4673.
Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at ajthompson@usatodayco.com, or on X @athompsonUSAT
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Cornell president calls alleged rape 'deeply disturbing,' vows answers
