Hundreds protest alleged Cornell fraternity rape at Manhattan's Foley Square
Hundreds gathered at Foley Square in Manhattan to protest the alleged gang rape of a former Cornell student by Chi Phi members, part of a nationwide "I am Jane Doe" movement demanding tougher New York rape laws.
On Thursday, hundreds of demonstrators assembled at Foley Square, a symbolic site near New York’s courts, to protest the alleged gang rape of a former Cornell University student known only as Jane Doe. The protest, part of a coordinated effort by the Women’s March that claimed around 200 events across the country, responded to a civil complaint filed at the New York State Supreme Court accusing seven ex-members of the Chi Phi fraternity of forcing the 20-year-old to take ketamine and then raping her for hours in October 2024.
The accused deny the allegations, while activists demanded an overhaul of New York’s rape-law provisions that currently limit defenses for victims intoxicated or drugged. Demonstrators also invoked broader grievances, referencing past high-profile sexual-misconduct cases and criticizing one outlet president, whom they labeled a rapist. Speakers highlighted personal stories of abuse and called for systemic change, noting that only two of the alleged perpetrators have been expelled from Cornell. The protests underscore growing frustration with campus "rape culture" and a push for legal reforms.
Why it matters
The protests highlight persistent campus sexual-assault problems and pressure lawmakers to tighten New York's rape statutes.
How this story developed
- Sep 25 Student thought to be Korean named among defendants in Cornell sexual assault lawsuit
- Oct 1 Cornell has agreed to bring in an outside firm to investigate allegations of a gang rape on campus.
- Oct 1 Cornell President Michael I. Kotlikoff approved an independent third‑party investigation into the university’s handling of the 2024 fraternity assault allegations.
- Oct 2 Jane Doe filed a civil lawsuit alleging assault by former fraternity members.
- Oct 2 State officials have stepped in to review the university’s handling of the allegations.
- Oct 3 Governor Kathy Hochul appointed Attorney General Letitia James as a special prosecutor in the reopened investigation.
- Oct 4 Governor Hochul appointed Attorney General Letitia James as special prosecutor and Cornell announced an independent external review of its handling of the allegations.
- Oct 4 President Michael Kotlikoff issued a video statement pledging greater transparency and acknowledging the need for better prevention measures.
- Oct 4 The plaintiff’s attorney says threats have been made against both the plaintiff and himself to pressure a withdrawal of the lawsuit.
- Oct 5 The disciplinary panel issued specific sanctions—expulsions, a three‑year ban, suspensions and mandatory training—for each of the seven accused men.
- Oct 5 Students, faculty and supporters gathered at Cornell's main plaza to protest the school's response to a 2024 fraternity gang-rape allegation, while graffiti damaged the administration building.
- Oct 5 Vandalism of Day Hall and a student‑led “Justice for Survivors” rally occurred early Monday.
- Oct 6 Governor Kathy Hochul and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio‑Cortez have publicly framed the case as evidence of a broader culture of exploitation ahead of upcoming elections.
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