Alumni are considering withdrawing financial support, public figures are severing ties, and individuals are shunning institutions linked to an alleged gang assault at Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y., sparking widespread outrage online.
The incident gained attention when the victim, identified as Jane Doe in court documents, filed a civil lawsuit on Sept. 16, accusing the private Ivy League university of shielding seven men, dubbed “the Cornell 7,” who she claims drugged and assaulted her at a fraternity house in October 2024.
The lawsuit alleges that the assault occurred at the Chi Phi fraternity house on campus, where a fraternity member sent a Snapchat message inviting others to join for “free pussy.” Cornell has refuted claims that the accused only faced temporary suspensions and were allowed to write essays to mitigate their actions.
While none of the fraternity members have faced criminal charges, the case has sparked online outrage, drawing parallels to a previous sexual assault trial involving Hockey Canada players in London, Ont., where all five players were acquitted.
Following public pressure, the Tompkins County district attorney announced the reopening of the investigation. Cornell expressed support for the criminal grand jury process but disputed the lawsuit’s portrayal of how the university dealt with the accused.
The lawsuit details the events of the alleged assault on Oct. 19, 2024, where Jane Doe, intoxicated after consuming multiple drinks, was coerced into sexual acts without her consent by several men at the fraternity house. The lawsuit describes the distress and physical injuries suffered by Jane Doe and her legal action seeking damages against the individuals involved, the fraternity, the university, and others.
The response to the case has been swift and intense, with alumni boycotting donations, public figures condemning the assault, and calls for accountability from the university and local authorities. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez criticized what she called a “culture of rape” in elite institutions during a town hall discussion in Ithaca.
As the case gains further attention, legal representation has been sought by the accused men, denying the allegations. Various entities have taken actions in response to the allegations, including terminating contracts and expressing regret for the incident.
The case has prompted a broader conversation about sexual assault, accountability, and campus safety, with ongoing developments expected as the legal process unfolds.
