Context:

A Cornell University case centers on a 2024 incident in which a woman alleged drugging and sexual assault by seven Chi Phi fraternity members after a party, with subsequent evidence showing a group chat discussing the assault and inviting others to participate. The university disciplined the fraternity, expelling two members and imposing campus bans, while some members received lesser penalties; no criminal charges followed the initial inquiry. New evidence prompted Tompkins County DA Matthew Van Houten to reopen the investigation and seek grand jury consideration with the victim’s cooperation to determine if additional charges are warranted. Cornell defends its handling, insisting that claims of minimal consequences are false and emphasizing survivor support. The case has drawn national attention, including remarks from Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez during a Ithaca visit.

Dive Deeper:

• In October 2024, a 20-year-old woman known as Jane Doe alleged that seven Chi Phi fraternity members drugged and sexually assaulted her after attending a sorority house event and moving to the frat house.

• Evidence emerged of a fraternity group chat discussing the assault and inviting others to participate, which became a focal point of the investigation.

• Cornell University expelled two fraternity members and imposed punishments on others, including written assignments, and the fraternity was barred from campus in 2024; the initial inquiry did not result in criminal charges.

• Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten stated the victim did not allege drugging or assault during the first investigation and noted new evidence not previously presented.

• DA Van Houten announced the investigation would be reopened and presented to a grand jury with Jane Doe’s cooperation to explore whether additional evidence could support charges.

• Cornell maintained that its handling was appropriate, rejecting claims of minimal consequences and stressing that such narratives undermine survivor safety and support.

• The case attracted broader attention and commentary from public figures, including Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who spoke about the assault during a visit to Ithaca.