Overview
- Cornell, which announced the steps Tuesday, suspended all social events in fraternity houses for the remainder of the 2026–2027 academic year.
- The decision follows an allegation that a former student known as Jane Doe was gang-raped at the Chi Phi house in October 2024 and her subsequent lawsuit naming the university and seven individuals.
- The university committed to expand support for survivors, including adding staff to the Office of Civil Rights and creating clearer case-management roles for people who report sexual violence.
- Cornell said it will cooperate with the New York State Police on criminal investigations and has commissioned independent reviews of the university’s earlier response, including a probe led by former federal prosecutor Sally Yates.
- University leaders warned that violations of the ban will bring immediate suspensions and said the review could lead to disciplinary action, changes to fraternity oversight and new campus social alternatives that would alter student life.