A prosecutor in New York has reopened an investigation into allegations of gang rape at a Cornell University fraternity. This action follows a lawsuit filed by a woman who claims she was sexually assaulted by seven students in 2024. District Attorney Matthew Van Houten plans to present evidence to a grand jury amidst public scrutiny over the lack of criminal prosecution in the case.
The woman, who uses a pseudonym in the lawsuit, alleges she was assaulted at the Chi Phi fraternity house in October 2024. She claims she was coerced into consuming drugs and alcohol, leaving her incapacitated during the attack. Her complaint has intensified discussions on social media, drawing both criticism toward Cornell and the prosecutor’s office as well as skepticism about the lawsuit’s claims. Photos of the accused fraternity members have circulated online.
The lawsuit targets the seven men, the Chi Phi fraternity, Cornell University, an Ithaca bar, and other entities, seeking unspecified damages. Her attorney has not commented on the prosecutor’s decision to reopen the case. Initially, the woman reported the incident to campus police but did not mention being gang-raped or drugged. Van Houten stated he had not been contacted by the woman’s attorney about a reconsideration of the original decision not to prosecute.
“Seeking justice sometimes requires us to reconsider or reopen cases when we are provided with additional evidence,” Van Houten stated. “I have begun the process to potentially pursue charges against the seven fraternity members, starting with discussions with Jane Doe and her lawyers.”
Cornell’s Response and Disciplinary Actions
Cornell University supports the reopened investigation. The institution says its own inquiry led to expulsions and suspensions of certain students. The Chi Phi fraternity chapter was closed on campus in 2024 and is still banned. Officials have not disclosed details about the sanctions, citing federal privacy laws.
“Any claim that the university did not impose significant consequences is incorrect,” a Cornell statement read. The university also criticized “false narratives” suggesting minimal repercussions, which they argue could discourage reporting sexual assaults.
The national chapter of Chi Phi has not responded to requests for comments. The university explained that its investigation involved a panel of trained faculty and staff reviewing evidence over several days. Both parties involved were allowed to testify and present evidence.
Lawsuit Details and Broader Implications
The lawsuit accuses Cornell of failing to prevent the assaults and inadequately addressing sexual violence. It includes a screenshot allegedly showing a group chat among fraternity members discussing the night. According to the lawsuit, the complainant went to campus police about three weeks after the incident, leading to the temporary suspension of the fraternity and its members that day.
Criticism has also emerged from political figures. New York Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez criticized the “culture of rape” she perceives as being protected by elite institutions. She addressed the issue at a forum near Cornell, advocating for changes in these environments.
Efforts to Address Campus Sexual Violence
Cornell highlights its ongoing measures against sexual violence. Since 2025, a task force on campus sexual assault has been working on recommendations, some of which are currently being implemented. A 2025 survey indicated 35% of undergraduate women and 8% of undergraduate men faced sexual assault during their time at Cornell.
The prosecutor notes a surge in communications about the case after the lawsuit was filed. “The community outrage stemming from incomplete news and social media coverage requires a response,” Van Houten stated. Eeshaan Chaudhuri, Cornell’s student government president, calls for reevaluation of both the university’s initial investigation and the culture within the fraternity.