On October 1, 2026, at Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y., President Michael I. Kotlikoff addressed significant concerns raised by a recent civil lawsuit. The lawsuit relates to an alleged gang rape at a fraternity house in 2024. In a statement lasting eight minutes, Kotlikoff acknowledged the university’s shortcomings in dealing with allegations of sexual assault.

“I want to acknowledge something difficult for us as an institution to say. We don’t have all the answers, but we are committed to finding them,” Kotlikoff stated. He emphasized the responsibility to prevent similar incidents, referencing the alleged assault on former student Jane Doe, who has recently filed a lawsuit.

The lawsuit targets Cornell, the Chi Phi fraternity, and seven former students. Jane Doe, a former student, claims she was drugged and raped at a fraternity event in October 2024. The accused have denied the charges.

Kotlikoff described recent events as one of Cornell’s most challenging periods. “What happened to Jane Doe is deeply disturbing and raises serious issues about sexual assault and the role of party culture,” he remarked.

Jane Doe initially reported the incident to Cornell University Police and Title IX investigators. She also spoke with the campus health clinic. The lawsuit indicates she consented to initial contact with two acquaintances, but later was drugged and assaulted, impairing her ability to consent. The district attorney did not file charges, lacking complete information from police interviews.

Kotlikoff stressed the need for a culture intolerant to sexual assault and one that promotes awareness about consent and safety. “We all have a role to play in keeping each other safe,” he stated.

Governor Kathy Hochul has appointed New York State Attorney General Letitia James as a special prosecutor for the case, denouncing the initial investigation process. Kotlikoff expressed support for this decision and announced Cornell will conduct an independent review by an outside firm.

“We support legislative changes to New York’s sexual assault laws,” Kotlikoff announced, pledging greater transparency and improvements in education about sexual assault and substance use. The university will also scrutinize the role of sororities and fraternities in campus life.