Cornell University has appointed former acting U.S. Attorney General Sally Yates to lead an internal investigation into the school’s handling of sexual-assault reports, including the allegations involving the so-called “Cornell 7” gang-rape case.
The university announced Tuesday that Yates will conduct an independent review of how the Ithaca-based Ivy League institution works to prevent and respond to sexual-assault claims.
According to Cornell, the review will assess its prevention and response policies, student-support services, and procedures for handling reports, investigations, disciplinary hearings and appeals.
Yates will also examine the campus police department’s work and coordination with outside law-enforcement agencies, as well as Cornell’s policies and oversight of fraternities, sororities and other student organizations. The inquiry will include the school board’s “oversight of these issues.”
Beyond reviewing Cornell’s overall protocols, the investigation will feature a “detailed review” of the university’s response to allegations outlined in a lawsuit filed by Jane Doe against Cornell and seven members of the Chi Phi fraternity. Doe alleges that the men drugged her with ketamine and gang-raped her.
Yates, who was removed as acting attorney general by President Trump in 2020, will assess whether Cornell followed its own policies and procedures in responding to Doe’s allegations.
“The questions raised by the Jane Doe matter warrant a rigorous examination of Cornell’s response to that case, but our responsibility is broader,” Anne Meinig Smalling, chair of the Special Committee, said in a statement.
Doe’s lawsuit alleges that, in October 2024, one fraternity member “commanded” her to snort ketamine from his erect genitalia while other men sexually assaulted her. The suit also claims that one member sent a message to the fraternity’s Snapchat group saying there was “free p—y” as Doe lay unconscious.
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The lawsuit further alleges that Cornell failed to adequately investigate the incident or impose appropriate punishment on the Chi Phi members accused of taking part.
Two of the seven fraternity members were expelled after a Cornell disciplinary board reportedly found them responsible for sexual misconduct, while several others received lengthy suspensions. None faced criminal charges.
Cornell has rejected Doe’s claims, calling it “irresponsible” to suggest that the university took no action beyond requiring the students to write disciplinary essays.
The university has faced mounting scrutiny since Doe’s lawsuit became public, including campus protests and student-government hearings calling for stronger action against sexual violence.
Cornell President Michael Kotlikoff described the alleged gang-rape case as a “defining moment” in the university’s history last week and acknowledged that the school “must do better.”
More than 1,000 protesters marched across campus Monday in support of Doe and called for Kotlikoff’s resignation.
A newly established Special Committee of Cornell’s Board of Trustees said Yates will have “full independence” in conducting the review.
Yates has previously investigated sexual-abuse and misconduct allegations. She was hired by the U.S. Soccer Federation to examine the National Women’s Soccer League after two former NWSL players reported harassment and sexual coercion.
With Post wires
