New York Governor Kathy Hochul has appointed state attorney general Letitia James as a special prosecutor in the investigation of a 2024 rape case at Cornell University, citing failures by campus police and local prosecutors. The case, which has drawn national attention, involves allegations of sexual misconduct by seven members of the Chi Phi fraternity.
Hochul criticized the handling of the case, stating that the accuser was 'failed' by institutions obligated to protect her. The accuser, identified as Jane Doe, reported being drugged and raped at a fraternity house, leading to a closed investigation in 2024. The case resurfaced in 2026 with a new lawsuit against Cornell and the fraternity members.
Cornell has agreed to an independent review of its handling of the case and has barred the Chi Phi fraternity. Attorney General James has committed to a thorough investigation, though the duration remains unclear. The case highlights ongoing concerns about campus safety and the response to sexual violence on university campuses.
The appointment follows a public hearing where Cornell students expressed frustration over the handling of the case. The investigation continues as the case remains under scrutiny, with potential legal and institutional consequences for those involved.