ITHACA, N.Y. — Cornell University has brought in former U.S. Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates to conduct an independent review of how the Ivy League university handles sexual misconduct complaints, following intense scrutiny over its response to allegations involving a 2024 fraternity incident.
Yates will examine not only the university’s handling of the specific case involving a student identified publicly as Jane Doe, but also Cornell’s broader systems for preventing and responding to sexual assault and harassment.
The review comes after protests on campus and a civil lawsuit filed last month by Jane Doe against Cornell, several former students and the Chi Phi fraternity. The allegations have drawn renewed national attention to how universities respond to reports of sexual misconduct.
Sally Yates Given Broad Independent Mandate
Cornell’s Board of Trustees said Yates will have full independence in carrying out the review.
Her examination will cover how sexual misconduct reports are received and investigated, the support available to students, disciplinary hearings and appeals, campus police responses, coordination with outside law enforcement and prosecutors, and oversight of fraternities, sororities and other student organisations.
The investigation will also specifically examine Cornell’s response to Jane Doe’s allegations and whether university policies and procedures were followed.
Trustees said the goal is to identify both areas where Cornell’s systems are working and areas requiring change.
Controversy Surrounds 2024 Case
Jane Doe told campus police in November 2024 that she had been sexually assaulted by multiple members of the Chi Phi fraternity following an October 2024 gathering.
The allegations led to a university Title IX investigation and a law-enforcement investigation. No criminal charges were initially filed, while Cornell later shut down the fraternity’s campus chapter and said some students were expelled and others suspended.
The former students named in the lawsuit have disputed aspects of the allegations. Because the case involves ongoing investigations and litigation, the allegations have not been established as facts in court.
New York Investigation Is Separate
The Cornell review is also separate from a criminal investigation now being overseen by New York Attorney General Letitia James.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul recently appointed James as special prosecutor after renewed scrutiny surrounding the case. The local district attorney had previously declined to bring charges but reopened his office’s investigation after the lawsuit brought the allegations back into the spotlight.
That means several processes are now unfolding simultaneously: Cornell’s internal review, the state criminal investigation and the civil lawsuit.
Why Yates’ Appointment Matters
Yates brings extensive experience investigating institutional misconduct. She previously served as U.S. Deputy Attorney General and later entered private practice, where she has conducted independent investigations.
She also led a major investigation into allegations of abuse and misconduct within the National Women’s Soccer League. That inquiry concluded in 2022 with findings of systemic abuse.
Cornell had already undertaken work on campus sexual assault prevention earlier this year. A university task force released recommendations in March focused on improving reporting resources, education, communication and student safety.
But the latest review places Cornell’s institutional response under a much broader microscope.
The central question now is whether Yates’ independent examination will identify shortcomings in Cornell’s existing systems — and what changes the university ultimately makes once the review is complete.
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