ITHACA, NY (607NewsNow) – Cornell is taking action in the wake of the Chi Phi/Jane Doe 2024 sexual assault case.
On October 13, President Michael Kotlikoff released a statement outlining what immediate measures the university is taking to curb instances of sexual assault, support victims, and change the social culture at Cornell.
To address short-term public safety on campus, all parties and social events at Interfraternity Council (IFC) houses are suspended for the remainder of the academic year. Any fraternity caught violating the directive will face immediate emergency suspension. Officials will use the time for a “thorough review of fraternity life at Cornell to determine whether and how it can safely continue.”
Staff will be added to the Cornell Office of Civil Rights, including a dedicated case manager for students who report sexual misconduct. Cornell is also working with the New York State Police to allow trauma-informed criminal investigators to look into allegations on campus for the duration of the recently announced independent review, which is being led by former Deputy U.S. Attorney General Sally Yates.
Additionally, more student support staff will be added to provide victim advocate support in the Sexual Harassment & Assault Response & Education (SHARE) office.
The university says it intends to accelerate and expand the scope and nature of recommendations made by the Presidential Task Force on Sexual Assault and lean on faculty expertise to address rape culture. Existing education programs will also be enhanced to address the bystander effect.
Kotlikoff said it’s clear women on campus continue to question whether they are safe, and the school “must meet this moment by acknowledging where we have fallen short and taking meaningful action.”
Click here to read the full statement.
