New York Governor Kathy Hochul has condemned the alleged sexual assault of a Cornell University student at a 2024 fraternity party and announced that she is seeking an independent review of how the university responded to the incident.
“The allegations in this case are nothing short of horrifying,” Hochul said in a statement. “For any student to come forward after an experience like this takes extraordinary courage.” She added, “No student should ever be left wondering whether the institutions meant to protect them will listen and act.”
The case has drawn renewed attention after prosecutors in Tompkins County decided to reopen the criminal investigation. The decision came after the student, identified only as Jane Doe, filed a civil lawsuit against seven former members of the Chi Phi fraternity and the university itself.
According to the lawsuit, the student was pressured into taking ketamine and then assaulted for hours by multiple fraternity members. The filing alleges that the fraternity environment enabled the attack and that Cornell failed to adequately respond.
Cornell conducted its own investigation and imposed sanctions on some students, but no criminal charges were ever filed. The university also permanently banned the Chi Phi chapter from campus. However, Governor Hochul said those actions are not enough, and she is calling for an outside counsel to conduct a transparent review of Cornell’s policies and its handling of this case.
“There are also serious questions about Cornell’s campus culture and its systems for prevention, reporting and response,” the governor said. “That is why I am calling for outside counsel to conduct a transparent, independent review of the university’s response to determine whether Cornell met every obligation to protect its students and pursue justice.”
The move comes as new evidence has prompted a grand jury review in the case, according to local officials. District Attorney Matthew Van Houten said the original police report provided by Cornell University Police did not include allegations that the student was drugged without her knowledge, was incapacitated, or did not consent to sexual activity. He said the case was reopened after new information came to light.
An attorney for one of the accused men has maintained that his client never took part in any assault. The civil case and the reopened criminal investigation are proceeding separately.
Governor Hochul’s call for an independent review aligns with her broader focus on campus safety and accountability. It also echoes similar actions by other governors, such as Gretchen Whitmer’s order for an independent review of a police pursuit in Michigan. Hochul’s office said the review will be conducted by an outside counsel with no ties to Cornell or the state university system.
The university has said it is cooperating with authorities and has expressed sympathy for the student. In a statement, Cornell said it takes all reports of sexual misconduct seriously and has implemented reforms to its fraternity oversight and survivor support services.
Still, advocates for survivors say the case highlights systemic failures in how universities handle sexual assault allegations. “When a university’s internal process fails to result in criminal charges, it erodes trust,” said one legal expert. Hochul’s review is expected to examine whether Cornell’s procedures were followed and whether any gaps exist in its reporting and disciplinary systems.
The governor’s announcement also comes amid a broader political debate over campus safety and accountability. As Hochul faces reelection, her handling of this case could become a talking point, especially given her political standing among New Yorkers. The independent review is expected to take several months, and its findings could influence future state legislation on campus sexual assault prevention.
