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Prosecutors reopen Cornell assault inquiry
A civil lawsuit has prompted a renewed criminal inquiry into allegations at a Cornell fraternity house.
What happened
New York prosecutors reopened an inquiry after a former Cornell student filed a civil lawsuit alleging that Chi Phi fraternity members drugged and sexually assaulted her at the fraternity house. Cornell supports taking evidence to a grand jury.
Numbers
- 7 peoplenamed in the civil lawsuit
- 19 Oct 2024date alleged assault occurred
- 16 Sepcivil lawsuit was filed
Questions
- Why was the inquiry reopened?
- The district attorney said earlier evidence did not meet the threshold for charges and contacted the former student and her lawyers for further information.
- What happens before any charges?
- Prosecutors plan to decide appropriate charges, if any, before using a grand jury to assess the available evidence in the case.
- How did Cornell respond internally?
- Cornell conducted its own investigation, barred Chi Phi from campus, and says it imposed consequences on those involved.
- What does the lawsuit allege about Cornell?
- It alleges the university failed to protect the student; Cornell says any claim that it imposed no meaningful consequences is false.
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Support and opposition
Who supports this, and why
The former student — Cornell failed to protect her and should answer for its response alongside the men she accuses.