Cornell University President Michael Kotlikoff has acknowledged that the institution “must do better” following allegations by a student that she was drugged and sexually assaulted by multiple men at a fraternity house.
In an eight-minute video statement released on Saturday, Kotlikoff described the claims as “deeply disturbing” and said the case had raised serious concerns about campus culture, including issues related to alcohol and drug use, as well as the handling of investigations into sexual assault allegations.
The woman, identified in court documents as Jane Doe, alleges that she was a 20-year-old Cornell student when seven members of the university’s Chi Phi fraternity sexually assaulted her over several hours on October 19, 2024. According to the lawsuit, the incident involved alcohol and the drug ketamine.
Jane Doe said she reported the alleged assault to Cornell University police approximately two weeks after it occurred. An investigation was subsequently conducted, but no criminal charges were filed.
Last month, she filed a civil lawsuit against the Ivy League institution, alleging that Cornell failed to protect her and did not take adequate action against the men she accused of involvement in the incident.
Responding to the lawsuit and broader concerns raised by the case, Kotlikoff said the university is committed to reviewing how the matter was handled and examining whether institutional failures contributed to the outcome.
“We must foster a culture in which sexual assault is inexcusable and ensure our community is empowered and understands informed consent,” he said.
The Cornell president also stressed the importance of creating an environment where survivors of sexual assault feel safe reporting incidents and are treated with dignity and compassion throughout the process.
He said university leaders have a responsibility to ensure victims are supported and that campus systems function effectively when allegations are brought forward.
Kotlikoff described the situation as a “defining moment” in Cornell’s history, signaling the significance of the allegations and the scrutiny now facing the university’s policies and procedures.
The case has renewed debate about campus safety, fraternity culture and institutional accountability at universities across the United States. It has also intensified discussions about how colleges investigate allegations of sexual misconduct and support those who come forward with complaints.
The civil lawsuit remains ongoing, and the allegations have not been proven in court. No criminal charges have been filed in connection with the case.
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