New York prosecutors reopen Cornell University fraternity gang rape investigation

New York prosecutors have reopened a criminal investigation into a 2024 gang rape allegation at a Cornell University fraternity house after a former student filed a civil lawsuit against the university and seven current and former members. Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten said his office plans to present the case to a grand jury to decide on criminal charges against the seven Chi Phi fraternity members.

Investigation Details

The civil complaint filed this month alleges that the 20-year-old student was drugged with ketamine, plied with alcohol, and sexually assaulted by multiple men at a fraternity house party on October 19, 2024. The lawsuit cites a Snapchat group chat where members allegedly discussed the assault, including a message about "free p***y" upstairs. According to NZ Herald - World, the case has drawn widespread outrage in the US as new details emerged. District Attorney Van Houten stated that the civil lawsuit contains claims dramatically different from the initial statement the woman gave to Cornell University Police in November 2024. He noted that her original statement did not mention being drugged without her knowledge or being forced into sexual activity, and that she admitted to voluntarily consuming drugs and alcohol. Because of that initial account, prosecutors did not pursue criminal charges at the time. The victim's lawyer, Thomas P. Giuffra, strongly disputed the DA's account, stating that his client was never interviewed by a trained detective and that authorities were given evidence, including the Snapchat screenshot, that should have triggered a deeper investigation.

University Actions

Cornell University stated that it supported reopening the criminal investigation and noted it had previously conducted a Title IX inquiry. According to the university, a hearing panel imposed sanctions that included expulsions and suspensions, while rejecting claims that students were let off with only essay-writing tasks. Meanwhile, attorneys for the accused have denied the allegations. Defendant Scott Norris denied participating in any sexual activity or drug use, though he acknowledged sending a message in the chat and briefly entering the room where the misconduct occurred.

Context

Title IX is a federal civil rights law in the United States that prohibits sex-based discrimination in any school receiving federal funding, requiring institutions to handle sexual misconduct complaints independently of criminal courts. Grand juries are groups of citizens assembled to review evidence presented by prosecutors and decide whether criminal indictments are warranted. Civil lawsuits allow individuals to seek financial damages and compel the release of new evidence through court discovery processes.