Cornell gang-rape lawsuit spotlights Title IX's role in campus assault cases

Jane Doe filed a lawsuit against Cornell University and seven members of the Chi Phi fraternity, alleging a gang rape that occurred in October 2024 involving forced ketamine use, marijuana and alcohol. The accused men have each denied the allegations, claiming the sexual activity was consensual or that they were not present. While the county district attorney chose not to bring criminal charges, the university launched a Title IX investigation that led to the suspension and eventual permanent closure of the fraternity house.

Over the course of the investigation, Cornell conducted dozens of interviews and gathered social-media evidence, resulting in disciplinary actions that included suspensions and expulsions for some students. Title IX complaints at Cornell have varied with changing federal regulations, dropping from 205 in 2019 to 98 in 2020 and rising to 166 in 2024. From 2018 to 2024, only 4% of the 1,216 reported Title IX cases resulted in a finding of responsibility, with a small number leading to severe sanctions. President Michael Kotlikoff said the administration must do better in addressing sexual misconduct on campus.