Cornell University reopens investigation into alleged 2024 fraternity assault

Prosecutors in New York have reopened a criminal investigation into an alleged sexual assault at Cornell University. Seven students were accused of drugging and assaulting a fellow student at a fraternity party in October 2024. The woman reported the incident to campus police weeks later, but the original investigation was closed without any charges.

The state governor appointed a new prosecutor because she lost confidence in how the first investigator handled the case. Critics said the original prosecutor never interviewed the alleged victim or asked the university for more information.

Cornell's own internal investigation led to some students being expelled. The Chi Phi fraternity chapter was closed in 2024 and is still banned from campus. The alleged victim also filed a civil lawsuit against the university in September 2026.