
September 30th, 2026
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has called for an investigation into how Cornell University handled a 2024 gang rape allegation.
A woman says seven students sexually assaulted her at the Chi Phi fraternity house on campus in October 2024.
Her lawsuit says she was pressured into taking ketamine, smoking marijuana and drinking alcohol.
She says this continued until she could not consent to sex.
The woman reported the incident to Cornell police.
But the local district attorney's office chose not to prosecute anyone at the time.
It reopened the criminal investigation Monday after public outrage grew over her allegations.
Hochul said she supports that decision.
But she wants an outside law firm to independently investigate Cornell's reporting, response and prevention systems, as well as its campus culture.
District Attorney Matthew Van Houten said the male students did things that were "morally wrong."
But he said the woman's first account to police did not claim she was drugged, unable to consent, or forced into sex.
He defended his office's earlier decision not to investigate further.
He said her statement to police was detailed and complete.
Cornell said it supports reopening the criminal investigation.
The university said its own investigation led to some students being disciplined or expelled.
It also said the Chi Phi chapter remains barred from campus.
The woman's lawsuit accuses Cornell of failing to prevent the alleged assaults.
It also accuses the university of not properly addressing sexual violence on campus.
September 30th, 2026

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