Cornell University has brought in former senior U.S. Justice Department official Sally Yates to independently examine how the university handled allegations that a student was sexually assaulted by multiple fraternity members, amid growing protests and criticism of the school’s response.
Yates, who served as deputy U.S. attorney general from 2015 to 2017, will lead a review of Cornell’s policies and practices for preventing and responding to sexual assault allegations, university officials said.
The review will include a detailed examination of the university’s handling of allegations by a student identified as Jane Doe in a lawsuit against Cornell and seven fraternity members. She alleges that she was sexually assaulted during a fraternity gathering in October 2024.
Jane Doe has accused Cornell of failing to properly investigate the allegations and take sufficient disciplinary action against those she says were involved.
The decision to appoint Yates comes after renewed pressure on the university. Hundreds of students gathered on campus Monday for a rally supporting the student and calling for stronger measures against sexual violence.
A special committee of Cornell’s Board of Trustees said Yates would conduct the investigation independently and have full authority over the review.
Yates, now a partner at King & Spalding, has previously led a major investigation into sexual abuse and misconduct allegations involving the National Women’s Soccer League after being appointed by the U.S. Soccer Federation.
Cornell President Calls Case a Turning Point
Cornell President Michael Kotlikoff has described the allegations as a “defining moment” for the university and acknowledged that the institution needs to improve its handling of such cases.
In her lawsuit, Jane Doe alleges that she was given drugs and alcohol before becoming incapacitated and being sexually assaulted by several members of Cornell’s Chi Phi fraternity in October 2024.
She reported the alleged assault to police weeks later. The report prompted both a university inquiry and a law enforcement investigation, but prosecutors ultimately declined to pursue criminal charges.
Cornell has stood by its handling of the initial complaint while taking disciplinary action against the fraternity chapter. The university closed the Chi Phi chapter and imposed penalties on members, including expulsions and other sanctions.
The new independent review is expected to examine not only the university’s response to the individual allegations but also its broader systems for addressing sexual misconduct on campus.
