New York prosecutors have reopened a 2024 sexual assault case at Cornell University after a civil lawsuit revealed alleged gang rape by seven fraternity members. The case involves a victim who claims she was drugged with ketamine and assaulted for hours, leading to the fraternity's closure and students' suspension.
The victim, identified as Jane Doe, filed a lawsuit this month alleging the Chi Phi fraternity members pressured her into taking ketamine and participated in a prolonged assault. Prosecutors have decided to reinvestigate, with district attorney Matthew Van Houten stating the case will be presented to a grand jury for possible indictments.
Cornell University has acknowledged the need for an independent review of its response to the incident, with officials emphasizing the importance of ensuring students' safety and accountability. The case has sparked debate over campus safety and the handling of sexual assault allegations on university campuses.
The case has drawn criticism from public figures, including British actor Florence Pugh and Democratic lawmaker Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who have called for stricter measures to prevent such incidents and hold institutions accountable for protecting students.