Cornell Names Sally Yates To Review Sexual Assault Handling, Fraternity Oversight

Yates to Lead Review

Cornell University trustees named Sally Yates to conduct an independent internal review of how the university handles allegations of sexual assault and harassment, examining investigations, disciplinary procedures, campus police responses, and oversight of fraternities. Cornell Board of Trustees Chair Anne Meinig Smalling said, "It is imperative that Cornell be willing to examine itself with the same rigor we expect of others," as the review was announced on Tuesday. Cornell President Michael Kotlikoff said in a video message on Saturday, "We don’t have all the answers, but we are committed to investigating and finding the answers our community deserves," as the university faced widespread outrage over a former student’s rape allegations.

Yates appointed6 of 6 outlets reported it▾

The allegations center on a woman identified in court filings as Jane Doe, who said she was sexually assaulted by multiple members of the Chi Phi fraternity in October 2024, and the case resurfaced after Doe filed a civil lawsuit in September. New York Attorney General Letitia James is separately conducting a criminal investigation into the allegations after Governor Kathy Hochul appointed her special prosecutor last week.

Jane Doe allegations5 of 5 outlets reported it▾

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Campus Outrage and Protest

Students protested on campus after the news broke last month of a lawsuit the former student filed in connection with her allegations, and activists vandalized an administration building before dawn.

David Bateman, an associate professor in the government department and president of the university’s chapter of the American Association of University Professors, said, "People are very upset," and added, "People are upset about what happened, and they are upset about the university’s actions and behavior and posture toward the entire attack."

Kyle Kimball, a spokesman for the university, said Cornell President Michael Kotlikoff and members of the administration are scheduled to meet with the Faculty Senate next week, and he said, "We look forward to that conversation,".

Cornell NAACP said on Instagram that students planned a 7-hour sit-in as part of a campus-wide "zero day" action, and the group said, "We have shared our collective demands. Now, we are asking our community to physically show up and stand—or, for seven hours, sit-with survivors."

The Washington Post described the review as an independent look at Cornell’s campus police response and processes, coordination with external law enforcement and prosecutors, disciplinary decisions, and oversight of Greek life.

Reporting for this sectionWashingtonpostNPR

Criminal Probe and Stakes

Letitia James’s office said it had already met with Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten and Jane Doe’s attorney, and Van Houten agreed to cooperate with the state probe.

Alexis Richards, a spokeswoman for James, said the attorney general’s office "remains committed to a thorough and independent investigation guided only by the facts and the law."

The Washington Post said the criminal case was reopened after the lawsuit was filed, and it described the allegations as involving drug use, consent, and Greek life.

ABC News reported that Cornell Police began investigating the incident in November 2024 and memorialized the first report: "A female undergraduate student reported that she was recently raped by 8-10 men at the Chi Phi fraternity house."

ABC News also reported that New York Gov. Kathy Hochul removed the local DA from the case and named state Attorney General Letitia James to take over the criminal investigation of the incident.

Reporting for this sectionWashingtonpostABC News