New York state prosecutors have reopened an investigation into a 2024 alleged gang rape at a Cornell University fraternity house, following a civil lawsuit filed this month by the victim. The case will be presented to a grand jury for possible indictments, according to officials. The victim alleges she was drugged and assaulted by seven fraternity members, with the incident involving alcohol and the drug ketamine.
The victim, referred to as Jane Doe in court documents, reported the incident to Cornell University Police on 8 November 2024. Prosecutors previously determined that evidence from her statement did not meet the legal threshold for charges, but officials say they are now considering the case again. The victim's lawyer, Thomas Giuffra, criticized the district attorney's office for not pursuing a more thorough investigation sooner, stating the police report was 'not materially different' from the civil lawsuit's claims.
Cornell University has stated it supports the prosecutors' decision and noted that the Chi Phi fraternity chapter involved in the case has been barred from campus since 2024. The university previously imposed sanctions on the fraternity members, including expulsions and suspensions. Officials say any suggestion that the university did not impose consequential punishments is false. The case highlights ongoing concerns about campus safety and the handling of sexual assault allegations.
The victim's lawsuit also alleges that Cornell failed to protect her and adequately punish the perpetrators, claiming they were 'afforded the opportunity to mitigate their conduct by submitting essays.' The case has sparked renewed outrage, with critics calling for a more thorough investigation and accountability for the alleged perpetrators.