Overview
- A former Cornell student using the name Jane Doe says she was drugged and gang‑raped at a Chi Phi fraternity party in October 2024, allegations that spurred a university Title IX inquiry and a civil lawsuit.
- Cornell’s 2025 Title IX process resulted in expulsions, suspensions and a chapter ban while the university now has hired former deputy attorney general Sally Yates to conduct an independent review of its handling of the case.
- The civil suit and newly released campus‑police interview transcripts prompted Tompkins County to reopen the matter and led Governor Kathy Hochul to appoint Attorney General Letitia James as special prosecutor to lead the criminal inquiry.
- Defense teams for at least two men have filed motions seeking James’ disqualification and the National Legal and Policy Center lodged a bar ethics complaint, both arguing her public remarks about the accuser show bias and could affect grand‑jury fairness.
- The plaintiff and her family have been harassed, including a reported swatting incident that is under FBI and police review, and both the independent university review and the state criminal investigation are expected to take months and could produce policy changes or grand‑jury decisions.