Following mounting outrage over a group sexual assault scandal, Cornell University has officially banned all parties and social events hosted by male fraternities through the end of the academic year.
Fraternity Activities Suspended Across Campus
Cornell University President Michael Kotlikoff announced in a letter to the campus community on the 13th that all parties and social gatherings held in buildings affiliated with the Interfraternity Council (IFC) will be suspended through the end of the 2026β2027 academic year. This measure aims to comprehensively review the safety of fraternity activities, and any club found violating the order will face immediate emergency suspension.
The university also plans to strengthen its response system for sexual assault reports. In collaboration with New York State Police, Cornell will establish an independent criminal investigation procedure and expand dedicated personnel to assist victims with academics, housing, and financial support.
Calls for Reform and Ongoing Legal Battles
President Kotlikoff apologized to a woman claiming to be a sexual assault survivor from 2024, stating that it is clear women on campus still worry about their safety. This action comes amid growing criticism over the university’s mishandling of an alleged gang rape at the Chi Phi fraternity in October 2024.
The female victim filed a civil lawsuit last month against Cornell University and seven fraternity members. Meanwhile, the New York Times (NYT) reviewed approximately 1,000 pages of internal university investigation records and police reports, revealing group chat messages and testimonies from members discussing the incident at the time.
Investigation and High-Profile Involvement
According to the records, roughly 50 members participated in a Snapchat group chat on the day of the incident, discussing the victim in sexualized terms and inviting others to the room. While the defendants have denied the allegations and are pursuing legal countermeasures, no criminal charges have been filed yet, and the New York State Attorney General’s office is conducting a reinvestigation.
The case has also drawn broader attention as NYT reported that one of the defendants, Winston Lee, is the grandson of former South Korean Prime Minister Lee Hong-koo. Lee was a designated bartender during the event and faces civil lawsuits regarding allegations of non-consensual sexual acts, though he received a two-year suspension and probation during the university’s internal investigation.
