Cornell University President Admits to Sexual Assault Report

Cornell University President Michael Kotlikoff has revealed that he knew about a student's report of sexual assault in November 2024 but failed to follow up for months. This admission comes amid mounting pressure on the university, a filed lawsuit, and new investigations.

President's Admission and Developments

In a statement to the press, Cornell University President Michael Kotlikoff acknowledged for the first time that he knew a student had been sexually assaulted in November 2024. Kotlikoff stated that in the months following the incident, he did not contact the victimized student and only learned that the student had left the school through the filed lawsuit.

Legal Process and Allegations

Last month, a former student known as Jane Doe filed a lawsuit alleging she was sexually assaulted by seven members of the Chi Phi fraternity during a party in October 2024. While all the accused men have denied the allegations, no criminal charges have been filed regarding the incident.

Legal Investigations and New Steps

Although the Tompkins County District Attorney's Office previously declined to prosecute due to insufficient evidence, it announced that the investigation would be reopened. New York Governor Kathy Hochul appointed Attorney General Letitia James as a special prosecutor. President Kotlikoff announced that parties in fraternities have been suspended for the academic year and an independent review has been launched.