ITHACA, NY (607NewsNow) – Governor Kathy Hochul wants to take a closer look at Cornell University’s disciplinary practices.
On September 29, Governor Hochul issued a statement calling for outside counsel to conduct an independent review of the school’s response to the alleged sexual assault of a student in 2024.
“The allegations in this case are nothing short of horrifying,” said Hochul. “For any student to come forward after an experience like this takes extraordinary courage. No student should ever be left wondering whether institutions meant to protect them will listen and act.”
The unnamed female former student is suing the school, seven men involved, and others, claiming she was coerced into drug use and incapable of sexual consent.
“I support the district attorney’s decision to reopen the criminal investigation,” added Hochul. “But there are also serious questions about Cornell’s campus culture and its systems for prevention, reporting, and response. That is why I am calling for outside counsel to conduct a transparent, independent review of the university’s response to determine whether Cornell met every obligation to protect its students and pursue justice.”
On September 28, Ithaca Mayor Robert Cantelmo introduced a resolution that would place a moratorium on all Cornell student event and special event permits, “including, but not limited to Greek life and other student group gatherings, until such time that the University conducts an account of its protocols to prevent and prosecute crimes of sexual violence and publicly releases new standards and practices to keep our community safe.”
Cornell also issued a statement on the 28th in support of the decision to present the case to a criminal grand jury, and released more information about its original investigation.
