New York Governor Kathy Hochul condemned Cornell University's handling of a rape case involving six students, calling it a failure. She announced the appointment of Attorney General Letitia James as a special prosecutor to investigate the case. The case has sparked nationwide attention and protests at Cornell.
Hochul criticized the local district attorney for not interviewing the accuser or requesting the full transcript of her statement. The accuser, identified as Jane Doe, reported being raped by six Cornell students in 2024. The case was closed without charges in 2024, but a new lawsuit in 2026 brought national attention to the incident.
Cornell University defended its handling of the case, stating it launched a comprehensive investigation and barred the Chi Phi fraternity involved. The university also supports James' appointment and is committed to an independent review. The case has reignited scrutiny of how law enforcement and universities handle sexual assault complaints.
The case has led to calls for accountability and reform. Students and officials have raised concerns about the lack of transparency and the failure to protect victims. The university has faced criticism for its handling of the case, with some students feeling unsafe on campus and questioning the effectiveness of current processes.