Cornell University president Michael Kotlikoff has issued a new statement on what he called the 'deeply disturbing' alleged 2024 gang rape of a student at a fraternity house, pledging greater transparency amid mounting questions over how the school investigated the case.
President addresses 'heartbreaking' allegations
In an eight-minute video message, Kotlikoff described the past week as one of the most difficult in the university's history. He acknowledged troubling questions about the investigations that followed the allegations, saying: "My heart aches when I think of what she experienced. It raises heartbreaking and troubling issues about sexual assault, dehumanization and aspects of party culture, alcohol and drug use."
Kotlikoff reaffirmed his commitment to supporting an independent review of Cornell's handling of the case called for by New York Governor Kathy Hochul, confirming the school's Board of Trustees would announce details next week. He also expressed support for Hochul's decision to turn the criminal investigation over to the state attorney general.
University admits it lacks all answers
He added: "I want to acknowledge something that can be difficult for an institution to say. We don't have all the answers, but we are committed to investigating and finding the answers our community deserves."
Scrutiny has mounted in recent days over Cornell's response to allegations that the woman was sexually assaulted by multiple fraternity members in 2024. The woman, identified in court documents as Jane Doe, has sued the university and seven former students.
Students call for president's resignation
During a student assembly hearing Thursday that gave students an opportunity to voice concerns and discuss proposals to improve Cornell's response to sexual assault, several speakers called for Kotlikoff's resignation. Hochul, asked at a news conference Friday whether she believed Kotlikoff should resign over the university's handling of the case, declined to take a position, saying she did not yet have enough information.
Kotlikoff acknowledged frustration that Cornell has not communicated enough, saying that has led to distrust. While citing "real legal and privacy limits" on what the university can disclose, he pledged greater transparency and more opportunities for students, parents and others to engage with university leaders.
Law and fraternity life under scrutiny
He also committed Cornell's support to legislative efforts to change New York's sexual assault laws. The case has renewed scrutiny of a state law that makes it difficult to prosecute sexual assaults involving people who voluntarily consume alcohol or drugs, even if they became too intoxicated to consent.
Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten cited the law in defending his initial decision not to pursue charges, saying the woman's original statement to police described voluntary drug use and sexual activity. Critics have long sought to close what they call the "voluntary intoxication loophole," which distinguishes between people incapacitated by drugs administered without their consent and those who voluntarily became intoxicated. Hochul has pledged to push for changes to the law.
Kotlikoff also called for a "serious look at the role of fraternities and sororities in campus life," saying Cornell would engage students, alumni and others in examining how to preserve the benefits of Greek life while strengthening accountability and transparency. "Being part of a group can never diminish individual responsibility for our own actions, for how we treat others or for speaking up when someone may be at risk," he said.
