State Police to investigate sexual assault claims at Cornell University

The agreement, effective immediately, transfers responsibility for sexual offense investigations from campus police to the state police, unless the alleged victim requests otherwise. Survivors retain the option to have Cornell University Police, the Ithaca Police Department, or the Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office conduct the investigation.

“When someone reports sexual assault, they deserve to be heard, treated with compassion, and know their allegations will be taken seriously and thoroughly investigated,” Governor Hochul stated. She emphasized the importance of trust between survivors and institutions.

The policy shift follows intense scrutiny of Cornell’s handling of allegations that a woman, identified as Jane Doe, was drugged and sexually assaulted by seven members of the Chi Phi fraternity in October 2024. A former Chi Phi president was recently dismissed from a civil lawsuit related to the case due to a mistaken identification.

Doe alleges that she was pressured to consume ketamine before being sexually assaulted over several hours while incapacitated. Attorneys for the accused men have disputed these claims.

Cornell conducted its own disciplinary investigation, leading to expulsions and other disciplinary actions. The initial criminal investigation was closed without charges, but was subsequently reopened after Doe filed her civil lawsuit. Governor Hochul appointed New York Attorney General Letitia James as a special prosecutor to oversee the investigation.

A review of Cornell’s response to sexual misconduct allegations is being conducted by former U.S. Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates. The agreement with state police will remain in effect during this review. Cornell’s Faculty Senate is also considering a vote of no confidence in the university’s administration, with voting scheduled between October 30 and November 6.