New York AG reviews Cornell’s handling of sexual assault allegations as investigation reopens

The review comes as local prosecutors reopen the case and consider whether criminal charges should be presented to a grand jury.

The New York Attorney General’s Office is reviewing Cornell University’s handling of allegations stemming from a 2024 sexual assault case involving members of the Chi Phi fraternity, adding another layer of scrutiny as local prosecutors reopen the matter.

CNY Central reported Wednesday that a spokesperson for Attorney General Letitia James confirmed the state office is examining Cornell’s response to the allegations. The review follows Gov. Kathy Hochul’s announcement that she had ordered an independent review of how the university handled the case.

The allegations resurfaced after a former Cornell student, identified in a civil lawsuit as Jane Doe, accused several former Chi Phi members of sexually assaulting her at the fraternity house on Oct. 19, 2024. Her lawsuit also alleges that drugs and alcohol were involved and that Cornell failed to respond appropriately after she reported the incident.

The allegations have not resulted in criminal charges against the men named in the lawsuit. The Tompkins County district attorney’s office initially declined to prosecute after reviewing the woman’s 2024 statement, according to District Attorney Matthew Van Houten.

Van Houten has since reopened the investigation after learning about the civil lawsuit. His office plans to present the matter to a grand jury, which will consider whether criminal charges should be brought.

The DA has also acknowledged a significant distinction between the original account and the allegations contained in the later lawsuit. Van Houten said the woman’s initial sworn statement did not describe the encounter as nonconsensual or allege that she had been drugged against her will. Her attorney disputes the implications of that earlier statement and continues to represent her in the civil case.

Cornell has defended its handling of the matter. The university told CNY Central that it conducted a separate Title IX investigation and imposed sanctions that included expulsions and suspensions. Cornell also said the Chi Phi fraternity was closed in 2024 and remains barred from campus.

The university has also said the criminal investigation and its internal disciplinary process are separate proceedings.

With the state attorney general now reviewing Cornell’s response, the case is moving through multiple channels at once. The Tompkins County grand jury will address potential criminal charges, while the state review will examine Cornell’s handling of the allegations. The civil lawsuit remains a separate legal matter.