Cornell survivors can choose state or university police to lead criminal investigations
Cornell University’s Chi Phi fraternity house in Ithaca, New York, US, September 29, 2026. REUTERS
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has announced an agreement allowing state police to investigate sexual assault complaints at Cornell University, following criticism of the institution’s handling of a former student’s allegation that she was gang-raped at a fraternity house.
Under the agreement signed by Cornell University and New York State Police on Thursday, survivors who decide to pursue criminal charges can choose whether state police or Cornell University Police will lead their investigations.
They may also request that Ithaca Police or the Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office handle their cases, according to the university.
“Every student deserves to feel safe on their campus. And when someone reports sexual assault, they deserve to be heard, treated with compassion, and know their allegations will be taken seriously and thoroughly investigated by law enforcement trained to support survivors,” Hochul said in her statement.
The arrangement follows renewed scrutiny of Cornell’s response to allegations involving a former student, identified as Jane Doe in a civil lawsuit, who says she was pressured to consume drugs and sexually assaulted by seven members of the Chi Phi fraternity in October 2024.
The woman reported the incident to Cornell police. The local district attorney initially declined to pursue charges but reopened the criminal investigation in September 2026. Lawyers for some of the accused men have denied the allegations. The claims have not yet been established in court.
Hochul appointed New York Attorney General Letitia James as special prosecutor to oversee the criminal investigation. Separately, former US Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates was appointed to lead an independent review of Cornell’s handling of sexual misconduct complaints.
The university said the agreement took effect immediately and would remain in place during the independent review.
