Cornell University President Michael Kotlikoff said allegations that a female student was raped and drugged will 'weigh heavily' on the institution. In an eight-minute video released last night, he described the claims involving the so-called Cornell 7 suspects as 'deeply disturbing'.
'My heart breaks when I think about what she [allegedly] experienced,' Kotlikoff said, adding that the case raised 'troubling issues about sexual assault, dehumanisation and aspects of party culture, alcohol and drug use'. He also said: 'You have my commitment that this will not be a moment that passes.'
Investigation led by New York attorney general
Kotlikoff stressed his commitment to the investigation now being led by New York Attorney General Letitia James and supported changes in laws to help victims of sexual assault and encourage them to come forward. New York laws currently make it harder to advance prosecution for sexual assaults when individuals involved voluntarily consumed alcohol or drugs.
The victim, identified in court documents by the generic name Jane Doe, has brought a lawsuit against seven members of the university's Chi Phi fraternity. She claimed she had been 'plied with alcohol and drugs to the point of intoxication', before being sexually assaulted without consent.
Campus reactions and calls for leadership change
A student meeting on Thursday saw several speakers call for Kotlikoff to step aside over the institution's handling of the incident. The president said it was necessary to have 'hard conversations' about campus culture and pledged to be more transparent amid concerns that poor communication had led to distrust among students.
His comments come as Donald Trump said he felt for the seven charged students, claiming they wouldn't get a 'fair shake' under James. The New York attorney general successfully prosecuted the US president on 34 counts of falsifying business records before his second term at the White House.
Official statements and next steps
In a statement on Friday, James said: 'I stand ready to lead a process guided by the facts and the law. In the coming months, my office will dutifully carry out the responsibilities the governor has conferred upon us in this executive order. We will review the facts, gather evidence, interview witnesses, and, if warranted, pursue prosecutions. I know that you want answers. I do too.'
Trump had previously said he trusted Cornell University to 'do what's right', calling the institution a 'fine school'. The university has said it will review the role of fraternities on campus in light of the incident.
