Cornell University has hired former acting US Attorney General Sally Yates to lead an internal review of its response to sexual assault on campus, including its handling of the allegations involving the so-called “Cornell 7.”
The university announced Tuesday that Yates will conduct an independent examination of how the Ithaca, New York, Ivy League institution works to prevent and respond to reports of sexual assault.
According to Cornell, the review will assess its prevention and response policies, student support services, and procedures for handling reports, investigations, disciplinary hearings and appeals.
Yates will also examine the campus police department’s work and its coordination with other law enforcement agencies. Her inquiry will cover the university’s policies and oversight of fraternities, sororities and other student organizations, as well as the Board of Trustees’ oversight of sexual-assault matters.
Beyond reviewing Cornell’s broader protocols, the investigation will include a “detailed review” of the university’s response to allegations outlined in a lawsuit filed by Jane Doe against Cornell and seven members of the Chi Phi fraternity. Doe alleges that the men drugged her with ketamine and sexually assaulted her.
Yates, who was dismissed as acting attorney general by President Trump in 2020, will determine whether Cornell followed its own policies and procedures in responding to Doe’s allegations.
“The questions raised by the Jane Doe matter warrant a rigorous examination of Cornell’s response to that case, but our responsibility is broader,” Anne Meinig Smalling, chair of the Special Committee, said in a statement.
In her lawsuit, Doe alleged that one fraternity member “commanded” her to snort ketamine from his erect genitalia while other men sexually assaulted her in October 2024. She also claimed that one member posted a message in the fraternity’s Snapchat group referring to “free p—y” as she lay unconscious.
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The lawsuit further alleges that Cornell failed to properly investigate the incident or impose adequate discipline on the Chi Phi members accused of taking part.
Two of the seven fraternity members were expelled after a Cornell disciplinary board reportedly found them responsible for sexual assault, while several others received lengthy suspensions. No criminal charges were brought against the men.
Cornell has rejected Doe’s characterization of its response, calling it “irresponsible” to suggest that the university did nothing more than require the accused students to write essays as punishment.
The university has faced mounting criticism since Doe’s lawsuit became public, including campus protests and student government hearings calling for stronger action against sexual violence.
Cornell President Michael Kotlikoff described the alleged gang-rape case as a “defining moment” in the university’s history last week and said the school “must do better.”
More than 1,000 protesters marched across campus Monday in support of Jane Doe and called for Kotlikoff’s resignation.
Cornell’s newly established Special Committee of the Board of Trustees said Yates would have “full independence” in carrying out the review.
Yates has previously investigated sexual abuse and misconduct allegations. She was hired by the US Soccer Federation to examine the National Women’s Soccer League after two former NWSL players raised allegations of harassment and sexual coercion.
With Post wires