New York AG Letitia James Opens Review Into Cornell’s Handling of Chi Phi Gang-Rape Case

New York Attorney General Letitia James’s office has opened a review into Cornell University’s handling of allegations that seven Chi Phi fraternity members drugged and gang-raped a student in 2024, as prosecutors prepare to take the underlying case before a grand jury.

The Attorney General’s Office confirmed Wednesday, September 30, 2026, that it is examining Cornell’s response to the allegations. The office described the review as being in its initial stages.

Cornell also agreed to an independent review by outside counsel after New York Gov. Kathy Hochul called for an examination of how the university handled the allegations and its broader systems for preventing and responding to sexual violence.

The review follows a civil lawsuit filed this month by a former Cornell student identified as Jane Doe, who accuses seven current and former Chi Phi members of drugging and gang-raping her at the fraternity house on October 19, 2024. The complaint also names Cornell, local and national Chi Phi organizations, and other defendants.

Doe was 20 when she went to the Chi Phi house, according to the complaint. She alleges fraternity members pressured her to consume what they described as ketamine, along with marijuana and alcohol, before sexually assaulting her over several hours while she was severely impaired.

The complaint alleges one fraternity member sent a sexually explicit message to a Snapchat group called “Chi Phi Actives,” describing Doe as “free p---y” upstairs. Several men then entered the room, according to the filing.

Doe reported the incident to Cornell University Police in November 2024. Cornell temporarily suspended the fraternity chapter and the seven accused students while university officials and law enforcement investigated.

The university later conducted a Title IX investigation and disciplinary hearing. Cornell President Michael Kotlikoff said this week that two of the accused students were expelled, two were suspended for at least two semesters, one had graduated before sanctions could be imposed, and two were found not responsible for sexual misconduct.

Doe’s lawsuit alleges some students were allowed to mitigate their disciplinary consequences by submitting essays. Cornell says no student received an essay as the sole consequence of involvement and has pointed to the expulsions and suspensions imposed through its process.

The Chi Phi chapter has remained barred from Cornell’s campus since 2024.

Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten reopened the criminal investigation this week after Doe’s civil complaint brought renewed attention to the case. He has said the allegations in the lawsuit differ substantially from the account prosecutors reviewed in 2024 and acknowledged that his office relied on the Cornell University Police investigation rather than conducting a separate inquiry.

The criminal investigation is separate from Doe’s civil lawsuit, which seeks damages from Cornell, the seven men and other defendants over the alleged assault and the university’s response.

Doe’s attorney, Thomas Giuffra, disputes that her account materially changed.

A transcript of her 2024 police interview shows Doe told Cornell investigators she was certain she had been raped. Van Houten has said prosecutors did not receive the complete interview transcript and instead relied on a police-prepared statement when his office initially declined to pursue charges.

Van Houten has also said his office never received the screenshot from the “Chi Phi Actives” group that appears in the civil complaint. Cornell says investigative information shared with prosecutors included the screenshot.

The district attorney is now seeking additional records, including material from Cornell’s Title IX investigation, as his office reassesses the evidence.

Van Houten plans to present the evidence to a grand jury, which will determine whether there is sufficient evidence to indict one or more of the seven accused men.

Ithaca Mayor Robert Cantelmo has separately proposed suspending city permits for certain Cornell student events until the university reviews its sexual violence protocols and releases new safety standards. The Ithaca Common Council must approve the proposal before it can take effect.

Cornell has said it supports the reopened criminal investigation and will cooperate with state officials. James’s review, Cornell’s outside investigation, and the planned grand jury proceeding will move forward alongside Doe’s civil lawsuit.