Cornell University is under intense scrutiny following allegations of sexual assault involving a former student. Fox News correspondent Nate Foy reported on these developments during ‘Special Report,’ including calls for New York Attorney General Letitia James to assume responsibility for the case.
The Ithaca Common Council took a significant step by voting to halt the issuance of city permits to Cornell University and related student groups, including fraternities. This decision came after widespread criticism of the school’s handling of the allegations. The council’s 9-1 vote resulted in a temporary moratorium, preventing Cornell from obtaining new permits for assemblies, parades, and events at the Ithaca Commons. The decision aimed to address public safety concerns.
While many Cornell students and Ithaca residents supported the moratorium, some graduate students expressed concerns about its breadth. They feared potential disruptions to activities unrelated to Greek life, such as canceled events, delayed conferences, and lost deposits. The moratorium is set to remain in place until November 5, with the possibility of extension.
The measure requires Cornell to refer investigations involving sexual and violent crimes to the Ithaca Police Department. However, enforcing this requirement remains unclear.
The controversy stems from allegations made by a former student identified as “Jane Doe.” Doe filed a lawsuit in September, accusing seven former Chi Phi fraternity members of drugging and raping her on October 19, 2024. According to her claims, she was intoxicated when she arrived at the fraternity house and later pressured into consuming drugs like ketamine.
The accused deny any wrongdoing, with some asserting that the sexual activity was consensual, while others deny involvement. The fraternity had already faced suspension on November 8, 2024, when Doe reported the assault to campus police.
Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten initially declined to press charges. He cited Jane Doe’s sworn statement, which characterized her drug use and conduct as voluntary. However, CBS New York accessed interviews with Cornell police in which Doe affirmed her belief that she was raped.
Van Houten later announced a reopening of the case, acknowledging differences between Doe’s lawsuit and her earlier statement. This reopening comes after Van Houten had not personally informed Doe of the decision not to prosecute.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul transferred the investigation from Van Houten to Attorney General Letitia James on October 1. Hochul expressed doubts about the District Attorney’s capability to pursue the case effectively.
One of the defendants in the lawsuit sought the removal of James from her role, citing alleged bias based on her previous social media comments.