Governor Hochul says victim was failed on all sides in Cornell case

New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced that state Attorney General Letitia James will take over the investigation into an alleged gang rape at Cornell University involving members of the Chi Phi student fraternity, stating that the victim was “failed on all sides by people and institutions with a duty to protect her.” Hochul added that the woman was failed by those with a duty to protect her, including the state prosecutor and police. The case centers on an incident from October 19, 2024, where a female student reported being drugged with ketamine and assaulted for hours by seven men, a group now referred to as the “Cornell 7.”

Governor criticizes prosecutor after dropped criminal investigation reopens

The criminal investigation was initially dropped in 2024 by Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten without interviewing the victim or reviewing complete transcripts, a handling Governor Hochul called “shocking” during a press conference. Hochul questioned in what world a prosecutor would fail to interview the victim or other involved parties, or neglect to request full transcripts. In September, the woman filed a civil lawsuit against the university, the fraternity, and seven former members, prompting Van Houten to reopen the criminal probe. CBS New York reported that transcripts revealed the victim told campus police with “100 percent certainty” that she had been raped, yet those specific assertions were omitted from the report forwarded to prosecutors by the Cornell police department. Hochul described this omission as “shocking.” During a November 2024 police interrogation, the woman maintained this “100 percent certainty” regarding the rape. A campus police investigator summarized this interview in a six-page statement, which the woman modified with about 20 handwritten corrections before signing.

University defends disciplinary actions following campus scandal

Cornell University defended its initial response, stating that the institution launched a thorough internal investigation that resulted in student expulsions, disciplinary sanctions, and the banning of the Chi Phi fraternity from campus. The university denied claims by the Cornell Daily Sun that the accused men were only required to write an essay as punishment. As reported by nrk.no, Eeshaan Chaudhuri, leader for the student community, addressed a campus hearing by stating, “We are ashamed of what has happened, and we do not stand for it in any way.” Legal experts and public figures have weighed in on the fallout; US expert and law researcher Sofie Høgestøl told VG that the case highlights enduring issues surrounding privilege, power, and consent within elite university cultures. Høgestøl added that the situation is “like something taken out of a crime book or a movie.” In Norway, the case sparked social media reactions and comments from figures like comedian Sigrid Bonde Tusvik, while actress Florence Pugh has criticized the university and men who do not oppose sexual abuse.

Attorney general takes over re-examination of evidence

District Attorney Van Houten acknowledged public criticism regarding the handling of the case, pointing to state statutory limitations concerning cases where a complainant voluntarily consumes substances prior to an alleged assault. He previously stated the woman initially claimed she took drugs and had sex “voluntarily, in a conscious state and with consent.” With Attorney General Letitia James now leading the prosecution team, the state’s office carries the responsibility of re-examining the evidence, digital communications, and institutional documents that were not fully evaluated during the 2024 dismissal. This includes university investigation documents reviewed by The New York Times, which the prosecution says it lacked in 2024. Documents also show the woman’s description of the event evolved; the day after the incident, she told roommates about sex with multiple men but did not use the words rape or abuse, according to the New York Times.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Cornell Investigation

What sparked the renewed investigation into the Cornell 7 case?

The case was reopened after the victim filed a civil lawsuit in September and new investigative documents emerged, revealing that prosecutors had not reviewed complete interrogation transcripts or interviewed key individuals when the case was dropped in 2024.

What specific allegations were made against the Chi Phi fraternity members?

The former student alleged that she was drugged with ketamine at a Chi Phi fraternity event in October 2024 and subsequently subjected to a multi-hour assault by seven members of the organization.

How did Cornell University respond to the initial accusations?

The university stated that it carried out internal disciplinary proceedings leading to student expulsions, sanctions, and the prohibition of the Chi Phi fraternity from campus grounds.

More on this story: Hochul Names James as Special Prosecutor in Cornell Rape Case · Cornell gang rape probe reopened by state prosecutors after lawsuit