Cornell University has decided to halt all fraternity gatherings and activities for the remainder of the 2026-27 academic year, according to an announcement made by President Michael Kotlikoff on Tuesday. This action comes in response to an alleged incident of gang rape at one of the school’s fraternities, which has prompted demands for accountability and change.
President Kotlikoff, who has been under pressure to step down due to the situation, emphasized a “zero tolerance” approach towards any breaches of the new directive. He stated that any fraternity hosting an in-house party or social event would face immediate emergency suspension.
The university is implementing a series of measures aimed at enhancing campus safety, providing better support to survivors, and addressing the societal aspects of sexual violence at Cornell. The case, which involves a woman identified as Jane Doe in court documents, has gained widespread attention following her lawsuit against the university and the individuals she accuses of assaulting her.
This incident has sparked protests on the university campus in Ithaca, New York, calling for justice and a broader campaign against sexual violence. In response, New York Governor Kathy Hochul appointed Letitia James, the state’s attorney general, as a special prosecutor to investigate the matter.
Cornell also revealed that Sally Yates, a former U.S. deputy attorney general, has been appointed to review the school’s policies on preventing and addressing sexual harassment, assault, and related misconduct on campus, including an evaluation of the university’s handling of the allegations made by Doe.
President Kotlikoff announced further initiatives, including the appointment of a dedicated case manager to assist individuals reporting sexual misconduct with housing and academic accommodations. Additionally, Cornell will permit independent criminal investigators from the New York State Police to handle sexual assault allegations on campus, a departure from the usual practice where campus police, under university control, investigate reported crimes at Cornell.