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A civil suit alleging drugging and rape at Cornell University’s Chi Phi fraternity has prompted Tompkins County DA to reopen the criminal investigation and present evidence to a grand jury. Cornell has sanctioned students and supported the grand jury process as questions about campus culture and accountability intensify.
The case surrounding a 2024 gang-rape allegation at Cornell University’s Chi Phi fraternity has intensified. Gov. Hochul has appointed Letitia James as special prosecutor, following questions about the Tompkins County DA’s handling. The AG will oversee the investigation and may present evidence to a grand jury if warranted.
The Cornell fraternity rape case has prompted Gov. Hochul to appoint Attorney General Letitia James to lead the reopened investigation, with lawmakers pressing to close a loophole that allows prosecutions to fail when victims choose voluntary intoxication.
Cornell University has suspended all parties and social events at Interfraternity Council houses through the 2026–27 academic year, has introduced a zero-tolerance enforcement policy, and has pledged to transfer criminal investigations to New York State Police while adding survivor support staff and outside reviewers to examine the university's handling of a 2024 sexual‑assault allegation.
Cornell University has described the past week as one of its most difficult, following allegations of sexual assault by fraternity members in 2024. The university supports an independent review of its handling, backs Gov. Hochul’s push to change New York’s intoxication-law loophole, and seeks greater transparency while engaging students and alumni on Greek-life accountability.