The Cornell sexual assault investigation involving seven former fraternity members will be reopened, according to a New York prosecutor. The decision follows a civil lawsuit alleging that a Cornell University student was drugged and sexually assaulted in 2024.
Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten said his office will reexamine the evidence. A senior prosecutor with experience handling sex crimes has been assigned to the case.
Cornell Sexual Assault Investigation Heads to Grand Jury
Van Houten said prosecutors intend to present the case to a grand jury. However, his office has not announced criminal charges against anyone.
The investigation centers on an alleged Oct. 19, 2024, assault at Cornell’s Chi Phi fraternity house in Ithaca, New York. The former student, identified as Jane Doe, was 20 at the time.
In her civil complaint, Doe alleges that seven fraternity members sexually assaulted her after she consumed alcohol, marijuana and suspected ketamine. The lawsuit says she became incapacitated and could not consent.
The complaint names Cornell University, Chi Phi organizations, seven current or former students and other parties. It seeks unspecified damages and a jury trial.
The allegations remain unproven in court. No criminal charges were filed after the original investigation.
Prosecutor Cites Differences in Accounts
Van Houten said Doe’s lawsuit contains allegations that differ from her November 2024 statement to Cornell University police. According to the prosecutor, that statement described the drug use and sexual activity as voluntary and consensual.
Doe’s attorney has challenged that characterization. He said authorities failed to conduct a trauma-informed interview or follow up with his client properly.
The lawsuit also includes an image of an alleged fraternity group chat. Van Houten said his office did not receive that image during its original review.
The district attorney acknowledged that his office relied on the campus police investigation. It did not conduct a separate investigation at that time, according to The Cornell Daily Sun.
An attorney representing one of the defendants has denied the allegations against his client. Other defendants have not publicly addressed every claim in the lawsuit.
Cornell Defends Its Response
Cornell said it supports the prosecutor’s decision to reopen the case. However, the university rejected claims that it imposed only minor consequences.
The university said it conducted a months-long Title IX investigation. A panel of trained faculty and staff heard evidence and testimony over several days.
Cornell said the process resulted in expulsions and suspensions. It did not identify the students or specify each punishment, citing federal privacy requirements.
The university also closed the Chi Phi chapter in 2024. The chapter remains barred from campus, according to The Associated Press.
New York Governor Seeks Independent Review
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul called for outside counsel to examine Cornell’s response. She said the review should determine whether the university met its obligations to protect students and pursue justice.
Hochul also expressed support for reopening the criminal investigation. Her Sept. 29 statement raised concerns about Cornell’s campus culture and reporting systems.
Cornell’s 2025 campus survey found that 35% of undergraduate women reported experiencing sexual assault during their time at the university. Eight percent of undergraduate men reported such experiences.
The reopened investigation could determine whether new evidence supports criminal charges. Meanwhile, the civil lawsuit will proceed separately through the New York court system.
Survivors seeking confidential support can contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE or visit RAINN.org.
