Cornell University FAQ Regarding 2024 Chi Phi Sexual Assault Allegations

University Investigations

Did Cornell investigate the allegations?

Yes. The Office of Civil Rights and the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards investigated the allegations against the individuals and the fraternity consistent with university policies and Title IX. The university’s Title IX investigation was conducted over several months and included hearings where a panel of trained faculty and staff heard evidence over multiple days. The complainant and respondents had the opportunity to testify and present evidence in the university’s investigation. At its conclusion, the hearing panel issued a range of sanctions, which included expulsions and suspensions from Cornell.

Cornell's process is distinct from the criminal justice system and applies university policies and standards, not criminal law. This type of investigation and adjudication process is not unique to Cornell. Universities across the country maintain formal processes under Title IX to address allegations of sexual misconduct. This does not preclude or replace the criminal justice system’s functions.

How does Cornell's disciplinary process work in a sexual misconduct case?

Reports of sexual misconduct are assessed by the university and, when they proceed through the formal disciplinary process, can involve an investigation, interviews and collection of evidence, an opportunity for the parties to review and respond to evidence, adjudication under the university's procedures, sanctions when there is a finding of responsibility, and an opportunity to appeal.

The process is intended both to provide support and protection to those who report sexual misconduct and to provide a fair process for determining whether an accused student violated university policy.

Does someone have to commit a crime to violate Cornell's sexual misconduct policies?

No. Cornell's disciplinary process and the criminal justice system are separate. Conduct can violate university policy even if it does not result in criminal charges. The university applies its own policies and evidentiary standards as required by and consistent with federal law.

How is Cornell’s process different from a criminal case?

Cornell’s disciplinary proceedings are separate from criminal investigations. Cornell determines whether university policies were violated, while law enforcement and prosecutors determine whether criminal laws were violated.

The university’s Title IX investigation occurred over several months. Pursuant to federal law, the matter was sent to a hearing where a panel of trained faculty and staff heard evidence over multiple days. The complainant and respondents had the opportunity to testify and present evidence. At its conclusion, the hearing panel issued a range of sanctions, which included expulsions and suspensions from Cornell.

Does Cornell believe its response in 2024 was adequate?

We understand why members of our community are asking this question, particularly in light of the deeply troubling allegations that have now become public. Cornell took the reports very seriously and moved promptly to initiate its Title IX process. The university conducted an extensive investigation and adjudication over several months and imposed different sanctions based on the findings and circumstances involving each student.

At the same time, responding to an incident of this seriousness cannot end when an investigation is completed or sanctions are imposed. We have an obligation to ask what more we can learn, what we can do better, and how we can reduce the likelihood that anything like this happens again.

That is why Cornell established the Presidential Task Force on Campus Sexual Assault, comprising faculty, staff, and students, in early 2025. Its recommendations are now being implemented, and we will continue to examine and strengthen our policies, prevention efforts, and support systems. Our goal is not simply to respond appropriately when sexual misconduct is reported, but to build a community in which sexual violence is prevented, people feel safe coming forward, those who do are supported, and individuals found responsible are held accountable.

Did Cornell Police adequately investigate the incident? Why didn’t they bring in the Ithaca Police?

The Cornell University Police Department investigated the matter in 2024 and shared the victim’s sworn statement and the Snapchat screenshot with the Tompkins County District Attorney's Office, which is the established protocol if the department believes it is possible a crime has occurred.

The Cornell University Police Department is a unit of the university, and its officers are special deputy sheriffs pursuant to NY Educational Law 5709 whose duties include the enforcement of law and order on Cornell property. This incident occurred in Cornell’s jurisdiction.

Why didn't the District Attorney bring criminal charges in 2024?

That decision was made by the Tompkins County District Attorney, not Cornell. We understand that the District Attorney has now reopened the criminal investigation in light of additional allegations contained in the civil complaint.

Did Cornell provide the Snapchat screenshot to the District Attorney?

The Cornell University Police Department provided it as part of the evidence supplied to the District Attorney in November 2024.

Does Cornell support the District Attorney’s decision to reopen the investigation?

Yes. Cornell has publicly supported the Tompkins County District Attorney’s decision to provide an opportunity for the victim’s story to be heard by a criminal grand jury.

Did Jane Doe receive a refund upon leaving the university? (Added: Oct. 13, 2026)

While we cannot disclose information about specific students due to student privacy laws, claims that no refund was processed are untrue. When a student takes a leave during a term, a prorated refund is provided.

Disciplinary Actions

Did the university take disciplinary action?

Yes. Temporary suspensions and other restrictive measures were issued when the conduct was reported. Chi Phi, Xi Chapter was closed in 2024 and remains barred from campus. Following the university’s Title IX investigation, sanctions including expulsions and suspensions were issued by a hearing panel comprising trained faculty and staff. Federal privacy law prohibits Cornell from disclosing specific information regarding individual students, and the university is therefore unable to make a public statement regarding any other disciplinary response.

Is it true that involved students only had to write essays as a disciplinary measure?

No.

What happened to the fraternity involved?

The Xi chapter of Chi Phi was closed in 2024 and remains barred from campus.

Why hasn’t Cornell disclosed more details?

Federal privacy law prohibits disclosure of specific information regarding individual students and disciplinary outcomes. Cornell therefore cannot publicly provide an individual-by-individual account of its findings or disciplinary actions. We recognize that this legal limitation can be frustrating and can create the impression that Cornell is unwilling to answer legitimate questions about accountability.

That is not the case; our adherence to privacy laws should not be interpreted as indifference to the seriousness of the conduct at issue.

Addressing Sexual Assault

What has Cornell done since the incident?

The Presidential Task Force on Campus Sexual Assault, comprising faculty, staff, and students, was launched in early 2025 and charged with developing a holistic public health framework for addressing sexual assault at Cornell. University leadership endorsed the task force’s final recommendations, which were issued in March 2026, and fully committed to implementing its recommendations. Among the measures described by Cornell are in-person sexual health and well-being education for all new students, additional Cornell Health staff with expertise in prevention and programming, and a new Pathways resource designed to make support and reporting options clearer and easier to navigate.

Cornell leadership hosted a town hall with students, faculty, staff, and community members to discuss the findings, recommendations, and next steps. An implementation committee is putting the report’s recommendations into practice as the university continues to work to instill a culture where students are protected, empowered, and informed about sexual violence prevention.

We will continue to examine and strengthen our policies to ensure we are doing all we can to foster a culture where sexual misconduct is never tolerated, those who come forward are supported, and individuals found responsible through our processes are held accountable.

What is Cornell doing beyond discipline and enforcement?

Cornell uses a comprehensive approach that includes prevention education, bystander intervention, healthier social environments, victim advocacy, confidential support, reporting mechanisms, policy enforcement, and ongoing assessment of campus climate.

That said, the university also recognizes that policies and programs alone are not enough. Confidence in Cornell's systems depends on whether members of the community believe reports will be taken seriously, people who come forward will be supported, investigations will be rigorous and fair, and meaningful accountability will follow when misconduct is established. We are committed to addressing the prevalence of sexual assault on college campuses, and we take concerted action to foster a culture focused on prevention, safety and health.

Why does Cornell conduct sexual assault surveys?

The university uses survey data to better understand student experiences, awareness of resources, and opportunities to strengthen prevention and support efforts.

Does Cornell support survivors?

Yes. Cornell supports reporting, survivor services, confidential resources, prevention, and accountability efforts. Confidential resources, healthcare options, victim advocacy, and reporting services are available and shared frequently with students and the Cornell community — anyone who has experienced or is aware of sexual misconduct is encouraged to seek support and report concerns.

We will continue to examine and strengthen our policies to ensure we are doing all we can to foster a culture where sexual misconduct is never tolerated, those who come forward are supported, and individuals found responsible through our processes are held accountable.

Where can I find Cornell’s public statements on this matter?

The university’s official statements are available at statements.cornell.edu.

Title IX

What steps are involved in a Title IX investigation at Cornell? (Added: Oct. 7, 2026)

After a formal complaint is filed, a trained investigator will collect as much relevant information related to an incident as possible, including interviewing the complainant, respondent(s), and witnesses and collecting documentation. Before an investigation is finalized, the complainant and respondent(s), in conjunction with their advisors, have an opportunity to review the full investigative record and can provide comments or request additional investigation. After receiving comments from the parties, the investigator then prepares an investigative report. The investigative report is not evidence, but instead summarizes the information gathered during the investigation.

After the investigation is complete, the matter will proceed to a hearing.

Under the Title IX hearing process, an independent three-member hearing panel and non-voting hearing chair hold hearings, during which the complainant and respondent(s) have the opportunity to testify and present evidence. The hearing chair provides guidance to the panel and makes procedural and evidentiary rulings.

At the conclusion of the hearing, the hearing panel is responsible for determining responsibility and sanctions.

The complainant and respondent(s) have the right to appeal the outcome of the hearing panel’s decision. When an appeal is submitted, a three-member appeal panel, comprising the provost and the vice president for student and campus life, or their designees, and a member of the hearing panel pool, will review the written record of the investigation and hearing and render a decision. The appeal panel’s decision is final and not subject to further appeal.

Who decides the outcome of a Title IX case at Cornell? (Added: Oct. 7, 2026)

Title IX cases are not decided by a single administrator, and university leadership does not determine the outcome of cases. Under the Title IX procedures, a formal complaint is typically resolved via a hearing conducted by an independent three-member hearing panel composed of trained faculty and staff and a non-voting hearing chair. Responsibility for determining findings and any sanctions rests with the hearing panel operating under Cornell's established Title IX procedures.

Independent Review

Who has hired law firm King & Spalding and why? (Added: Oct. 7, 2026)

A newly formed Special Committee of the Cornell University Board of Trustees has retained Sally Yates, a partner at King & Spalding, to lead a comprehensive independent review of how the university prevents and responds to sexual harassment, sexual assault, and related misconduct on campus.

The review will assess Cornell’s practices against applicable requirements under Title IX, the Clery Act, the Violence Against Women Act’s Campus SaVE Act, and New York state law, as well as recognized best practices in higher education for preventing and responding to sexual misconduct.

As part of that broader mandate, Yates and her team will conduct a detailed review of the university’s response to the allegations involving Jane Doe and members of the Chi Phi fraternity in October 2024, including whether Cornell followed its policies and procedures in responding to the matter.

What is Cornell’s role in King & Spalding’s review? (Added: Oct. 7, 2026)

Yates and King & Spalding will have full independence in conducting the review. The university will provide the investigative team with access to relevant policies, records, case files, personnel, and leadership, consistent with applicable law and privacy requirements.

How long will the process take? (Added: Oct. 7, 2026)

The Special Committee has asked Yates and her team to conduct the review as expeditiously and thoroughly as possible. Yates and King & Spalding will take the time needed to conduct a thorough review and report their findings and recommendations to the Special Committee.

What will be shared with the public? (Added: Oct. 7, 2026)

Yates and King & Spalding will report their findings and recommendations directly to the Special Committee. The Board intends to share the results and recommendations with the Cornell community.

Why did you select Yates and King & Spalding? (Added: Oct. 7, 2026)

The Special Committee selected Yates and King & Spalding because of their expertise in higher education and extensive experience conducting independent investigations for boards and institutions.

Who is on the Special Committee? (Added: Oct. 7, 2026)

The Special Committee comprises Chair of the Board of Trustees Anne Meinig Smalling and fellow trustees Jennifer L. Davis, Tara Holm, Howard L. Morgan, Ph.D., Beckie Robertson, Stephen C. Robinson, Esq., Martin F. Scheinman, Esq., and Robert W. Selander.