In brief
Prosecutors in New York have announced plans to reopen a criminal inquiry into a 2024 allegation of gang rape at Cornell University. The lawsuit, filed by the victim on 16 September 2024, claims the woman was drugged and assaulted by seven men from the Chi Phi fraternity. While the university asserts it imposed sanctions, the victim alleges insufficient punishment and inadequate protection. The case has attracted national attention, with celebrities such as Florence Pugh speaking out, and it raises questions about how universities and law enforcement handle sexual assault claims.
New York state prosecutors say they will reopen a criminal inquiry into the alleged rape of a woman at Cornell University in 2024.
The victim filed a civil suit on 16 September 2024 claiming she was drugged and gang‑raped by multiple men at the Chi Phi fraternity house. She reported the incident to Cornell Police on 8 November 2024.
Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten announced Monday that the case will be presented to a grand jury once charges are deemed appropriate, citing the need for an objective review.
Cornell University maintains that it imposed expulsions and suspensions following an internal and Title IX investigation, disputing claims that punishments were inadequate. The university said a panel of faculty and staff issued sanctions and that no students were asked to write essays as the sole consequence of their actions.
Doe’s lawyer Thomas Giuffra said the victim felt traumatized and was not interviewed beyond an initial complaint, suggesting law enforcement failed to build a full case. He criticised the district attorney’s remarks and described the DA’s stance as an attempt to excuse institutional shortcomings.
The lawsuit also accuses Cornell of allowing the alleged perpetrators to “mitigate” their conduct by submitting essays, a claim the university refutes. The case, now drawing national attention, has prompted public statements from celebrities including Florence Pugh.
If you are suffering distress or despair and need support, you could speak to a health professional, or an organisation that offers support. Details of help available in many countries can be found at Befrienders Worldwide.
A list of UK organisations that can help is available here.
