A prosecutor in New York has reopened an investigation into allegations of a gang rape at a Cornell University fraternity. This action followed a lawsuit filed by a woman who claims she was sexually assaulted by seven students in 2024. Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten announced that his office will present evidence to a grand jury, responding to public questions about the lack of criminal charges in the case.
The woman, referred to using a pseudonym, filed her complaint on September 16. She alleges that the assault occurred at the Chi Phi fraternity house, claiming she was coerced into using ketamine, smoking marijuana, and consuming alcohol. According to the lawsuit, she became incapacitated, allowing the assaults to occur.
The case has generated numerous social media comments, with many criticizing both the university and the district attorney’s office. Some have even posted photos of the identified fraternity members. The accuser seeks undisclosed damages from the men, the Chi Phi fraternity, the university, and other entities. Her attorney did not comment on the prosecutor’s decision to reopen the case.
The district attorney noted that the accuser did not initially report gang rape or being drugged in her sworn statement to campus police. He mentioned that he had not been contacted by her attorney regarding her statement or a review of the decision not to prosecute, but had recently reached out to them.
“Seeking justice sometimes requires us to reconsider or reopen cases when we are provided with additional evidence,”Van Houten stated.
Cornell University supports the decision to reopen the investigation. The university stated that it conducted its investigation in 2024 and that sanctions were imposed, including student expulsions and suspensions. The Chi Phi on-campus chapter was closed and barred from campus.
The university declined to provide specific details on these sanctions, citing federal privacy laws. It countered any suggestion that it did not impose significant punishments, stating such narratives undermine safety for survivors.
A national chapter for Chi Phi did not respond to messages. Cornell had conducted an internal disciplinary process, allowing both parties to present evidence.
The lawsuit claims the university failed to prevent the alleged assaults and address on-campus sexual violence properly. It provides a group chat image purportedly showing fraternity members discussing the night’s incidents. The complaint mentions the woman’s initial report to campus police three weeks later and the immediate suspension of the fraternity and its members.
Cornell denied that essays were accepted as a sole consequence for involvement, emphasizing expulsions and suspensions instead.
New York Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez commented on the incident, discussing a culture of acceptance around such behavior at elite institutions.
Cornell formed a task force on campus sexual assault in 2025. Recommendations have since been implemented or are under development. A 2025 survey indicated significant percentages of students reporting sexual assault during their time at the university.
The district attorney’s office reported receiving numerous messages about the case since the lawsuit, including demands for further explanations about the initial lack of charges.
Cornell’s student government president, Eeshaan Chaudhuri, called for a reevaluation of both the university’s initial investigation and the fraternity’s culture. He emphasized the need for broader questioning beyond Cornell, acknowledging the complexity of addressing sexual violence issues.