Lawsuit alleges university failed to adequately punish accused students

Cornell University President Michael Kotlikoff said in a Saturday video message that the university would “take steps to prevent a similar situation in the future,” including “a serious look at the role of fraternities and sororities in campus life.”

“At their best, these organisations can provide students with friendship, belonging, mentorship and a powerful sense of community,” Kotlikoff said. “But being part of a group can never diminish individual responsibility.”

The president said Cornell would seek input from students, alumni and others on how to “preserve what is valuable about Greek life while strengthening individual accountability, transparency and a culture in which every member understands their responsibility to protect the safety and wellbeing of others.”

Kotlikoff acknowledged the university’s response had fallen short. “We must do better,” he said. “We don’t have all the answers, but we are committed to investigating and finding the answers our community deserves.”

He pledged that university officials would “be more transparent” about their actions related to the 2024 incident but did not detail specific initiatives. “In the coming weeks, we will create additional opportunities for members of our community to ask questions and hear directly from university leadership,” he said.

The civil lawsuit, filed last month against Cornell, seven Chi Phi fraternity members and others, alleges the school failed to adequately punish some of the accused students. The accused men have denied all wrongdoing, the New York Times reported.

Cornell has defended its handling of the matter, saying it launched a comprehensive investigation and barred the Chi Phi fraternity from campus. The school said it imposed a range of disciplinary measures, including expulsions.

The case has reignited scrutiny of how law enforcement and universities handle sexual assault complaints, with students questioning whether existing processes are enough to protect them. It has also drawn the attention of New York state officials, who have appointed a special prosecutor to investigate.

The university is located in Ithaca, New York.