A former Cornell University student has filed a lawsuit alleging she was drugged and gang-raped by seven members of the Chi Phi fraternity in October 2024, claiming the university and fraternity failed to protect her and prevent the assault.
According to the lawsuit filed in Tompkins County, the plaintiff—identified only as Jane Doe—states she visited the Chi Phi house while intoxicated, where two fraternity brothers pressured her into snorting what they said was ketamine before sexually assaulting her for hours. The lawsuit alleges that more men joined after a Snapchat message was sent to the fraternity’s group chat suggesting “free pussy†was available.
The plaintiff reported the incident to Cornell University Police Department on November 8, 2024. Cornell conducted an internal investigation involving at least 12 hearings, after which only two of the seven accused fraternity members were expelled, while others received lesser sanctions such as suspensions, workshops, or essays. No criminal charges were filed due to insufficient evidence, according to the Tompkins County District Attorney.
The lawsuit brings claims against Cornell for negligence, negligent supervision, breach of contract, and violations of state human rights and education laws. It also accuses the seven student defendants of sexual assault, sexual battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The plaintiff is seeking monetary damages, including compensatory and punitive damages.
Cornell released a statement saying the Office of Civil Rights and the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards investigated the allegations consistent with university policies, and that the Xi chapter of Chi Phi fraternity remains barred from campus. Federal privacy law prevents the university from disclosing specific disciplinary responses.
Featured image: Martha Van Rensselaer Hall, Cornell University Ithaca NY USA (CC BY-SA 3.0). Sources: CBS News New York; The Cornell Daily Sun.
