What we know about Cornell University frat house rape investigation

Here is the latest breaking news from around the world: What we know about Cornell University frat house rape investigation Figure caption, Cornell students voice frustration at public hearing over rape caseByNardine Saad, Kayla Epstein and Nada Tawfik, North America correspondent, Reporting fromat Cornell UniversityPublished30 September 2026Updated 1 hour agoNew York Governor Kathy Hochul has appointed the state's top prosecutor, Attorney General Letitia James, to oversee the reopened investigation into the alleged rape of a woman at Cornell University in 2024. "New information has raised serious questions about how this case was handled," Hochul said in announcing that James would be taking over from District Attorney Matthew Van Houten. James said she would review evidence and pursue prosecutions if necessary.

The woman, identified anonymously as Jane Doe in court documents, filed a civil lawsuit against the Ivy League university in September alleging she was drugged and raped at a fraternity house at the university. She also alleged that Cornell failed to protect her or adequately punish the men involved. Cornell has said it supported presenting the case to a grand jury, while rejecting claims it failed to punish those involved.

The Details

Figure caption, Watch: Why an investigation into alleged frat house gang rape is reopeningWhat does the woman allege? Jane Doe alleges in her civil lawsuit that, on the night of 19 October 2024, seven men from Cornell's Chi Phi fraternity chapter assaulted her for hours in an incident involving alcohol and the drug ketamine. She was a 20-year-old Cornell undergraduate at the time.

Jane Doe said in her lawsuit that she was intoxicated during the alleged incident and could not provide consent. She said she left her sorority sisters after drinking that night and "stumbled alone" to the Chi Phi fraternity house in the city of Ithaca to see a male friend. The lawsuit alleges sexual assault and battery, negligence, breach of contract and violations of New York's Human Rights Law.

It was filed against several groups including the university, the Chi Phi fraternity, the Delta Delta Delta sorority and men involved in the alleged attack, who have now become known as the Cornell Seven. Doe also alleges that the men were "afforded the opportunity to mitigate their conduct by submitting essays". 'Ashamed': Cornell students gather to voice anger over alleged gang rape Published14 hours agoCornell case highlights 'draining' maze for victims to report campus sex assaults Published1 day agoDoe's lawyer has said she was "traumatised, numb and unable to function or accept the horror of what had happened" in the days after the assault, which she reported to Cornell University Police on 8 November 2024.

The attorney has said two of those involved were expelled. He told CBS the accuser dropped out of university after the alleged assault.

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.