Cornell University launches independent investigation into 2024 fraternity sexual assault case

Cornell University has agreed to hire outside lawyers to look into an alleged gang rape at a fraternity house in 2024. A woman says seven members of Chi Phi drugged and sexually assaulted her on October 19, 2024, when she was 20 years old. She reported it to campus police in November 2024. Cornell's own investigation led to two students being expelled and others receiving suspensions. In September 2026, she filed a civil lawsuit against the seven men, Cornell, and others. New York state prosecutors have since reopened a criminal investigation and may take the case to a grand jury. Governor Kathy Hochul asked for an independent review, and Cornell's president agreed to carry one out.