Former U.S. Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates will lead an independent review at Cornell University. The review focuses on the university’s handling of sexual misconduct complaints, as announced by school officials. Yates served at the Department of Justice as the second-highest ranking official from 2015 to 2017 during the Obama administration. Her task is to evaluate Cornell’s policies, practices, and resources concerning sexual harassment, sexual assault, and related misconduct following an alleged rape at a fraternity house in 2024.
The review will examine how reports of sexual misconduct are managed, the support provided to affected students, disciplinary actions, and campus police’s role. University trustee Anne Meinig Smalling stated, “Sally Yates brings extraordinary experience, independence, and judgment to this work.” She emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into Cornell’s overall approach and how it can be improved to ensure safety and support.
This decision follows reports that Cornell University police received an anonymous tip. The tip alleged that Chi Phi fraternity leaders advised a potential witness to remain silent, fearing damaged reputations. ABC News reviewed school records revealing that Cornell investigators asked witnesses about a possible cover-up by the fraternity. A female student reported to investigators that a meeting was held to standardize the members’ account of events. Group messages discussed the alleged situation.
The incident has sparked public outrage and debate about violence against women on college campuses. Prominent figures like actresses Florence Pugh and Mariska Hargitay, along with New York Democrat Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, have commented publicly. Ocasio-Cortez stated, “When I read about what happened at Cornell, those men posted in a group chat, which means it was normal to them. We cannot protect those spaces anymore. Never again.”
Yates’ review will also focus on Cornell’s response to the allegations involving Jane Doe and Chi Phi fraternity members. University officials stress the importance of Cornell examining itself rigorously to improve the prevention and response to sexual violence. They have asked Yates to complete her analysis thoroughly and quickly.
Democratic New York Governor Kathy Hochul has appointed State Attorney General Letitia James as a special prosecutor for a criminal investigation into the woman’s allegations. This appointment follows new information that questioned the case’s initial handling. Hochul expressed her loss of confidence in Tompkins County Attorney Matthew Van Houten, who initially decided not to file charges against the seven men named later in a lawsuit by the victim.
President Donald Trump criticized Hochul’s decision to appoint James, who has previously pursued cases against him. Trump described James as “corrupt” and suggested that individuals under her scrutiny wouldn’t receive fair treatment.