Cornell University is moving to halt fraternity-house parties for the rest of the academic year, a sweeping step announced by President Michael Kotlikoff as the campus confronts outrage over an alleged 2024 gang rape.
The decision marks Cornell leadership’s most forceful action to date in the wake of a lawsuit brought by a former undergraduate, identified as Jane Doe, who alleges seven men sexually assaulted her during a party.
In recent weeks, the Ivy League institution in Ithaca, New York, along with Mr Kotlikoff, has faced intensifying backlash from students, faculty and donors who have criticised the university’s handling of the allegations.
The pause on parties and social events will cover Interfraternity Council houses.
According to the council’s website, Cornell University currently has 34 fraternity houses.
“These measures will provide time for a thorough review of fraternity life at Cornell to determine whether and how it can safely continue,” Mr Kotlikoff said in the statement.
New York Attorney General Letitia James was appointed an independent special prosecutor in the case
After the lawsuit was filed, prosecutors reopened the investigation into the alleged gang rape.
New York state Governor Kathy Hochul appointed New York Attorney General Letitia James as an independent special prosecutor in the case, pointing to what she described as an earlier failure to protect the alleged victim.
US President Donald Trump renewed his push yesterday for Ms James — an elected Democrat and longtime critic — to be removed from the matter.
“The governor should take James off this case, immediately,” Mr Trump posted on Truth Social.
Mr Trump first challenged Ms James’ appointment in early October, though officials have taken no action in response to his remarks.
Since the lawsuit against seven fraternity members, the university and others was filed in September, Cornell’s administration has been met with student demonstrations, a looming no-confidence resolution from faculty, condemnation from alumni, and a public assembly where students accused university leaders of enabling what they called a culture of sexual violence.
None of the men named in the lawsuit have been criminally charged.
“I have spent the past weeks listening to students, faculty, staff, parents, alumni and trustees, who have shared their feelings of deep connection and sympathy with Jane Doe, anger and frustration that this could happen at Cornell,” Mr Kotlikoff said.
“Women on our campus continue to question whether they are safe,” he said, adding that additional staff would be hired to support survivors of sexual assault.
Cornell University will also work with New York State Police to investigate incidents, he said, and accelerate previous recommendations put forward by a task force on sexual violence.
According to a university survey conducted in 2025 and published on its website, 35% of undergraduate women reported experiencing non-consensual sexual contact involving force or incapacitation since entering Cornell.
“We must meet this moment by acknowledging where we have fallen short and taking meaningful action,” Mr Kotlikoff said.
