Cornell University has banned parties and social events at fraternity houses until the end of the academic year following an outcry over an alleged gang rape on campus in 2024.
University president Michael Kotlikoff announced the measure on Tuesday, marking the strongest response yet from the Ivy League institution to a lawsuit filed by a former undergraduate identified as Jane Doe.
The lawsuit alleges that seven men sexually assaulted her during a fraternity party. None of the men named in the lawsuit has been criminally charged.
The ban applies to houses under Cornell’s Interfraternity Council, which lists 34 fraternity houses at the university’s campus in Ithaca, New York.
“These measures will provide time for a thorough review of fraternity life at Cornell to determine whether and how it can safely continue,” Kotlikoff said in a statement.
The university and its president have faced mounting criticism from students, faculty members and donors over their handling of the allegations in recent weeks.
Investigation reopened after lawsuit
Prosecutors reopened the investigation into the alleged assault after the lawsuit was filed in September against seven fraternity members, the university and other parties.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul appointed state Attorney General Letitia James as an independent special prosecutor, citing the earlier failure to protect the alleged victim.
However, US President Donald Trump renewed his call on Tuesday for James to be removed from the case, criticising the appointment of the Democratic attorney general, who has long been one of his political opponents.
“The Governor should take James off this case, immediately,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Trump first challenged James’ appointment in early October, but his comments did not prompt any action from officials at the time.
The offices of Hochul and James did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Students question campus safety
Since the lawsuit was filed, Cornell’s administration has faced student protests, criticism from alumni and a pending faculty no-confidence resolution.
At a public assembly, students accused university officials of tolerating what they described as a culture of sexual violence on campus.
Kotlikoff said he had spent recent weeks listening to students, faculty, staff, parents, alumni and trustees, many of whom expressed sympathy for Jane Doe and frustration over the allegations.
“Women on our campus continue to question whether they are safe,” he said.
He added that the university would hire additional staff to support survivors of sexual assault, work with New York State Police to investigate incidents and accelerate recommendations previously put forward by a task force on sexual violence.
A university survey conducted in 2025 and published on Cornell’s website found that 35% of undergraduate women reported experiencing non-consensual sexual contact involving force or incapacitation since enrolling at the institution.
“We must meet this moment by acknowledging where we have fallen short and taking meaningful action,” Kotlikoff said.
The university’s ban is intended to allow a broader review of fraternity life and campus safety as pressure continues to mount over its handling of the case.
