6 things to know about Cornell University gang rape allegations, reopened investigation

Editor’s note: This article contains descriptions of sexual assault allegations that some readers might find disturbing.

A former Cornell University student’s lawsuit alleging that she was drugged and gang-raped inside a fraternity house has led to the reopening of a criminal investigation into the woman’s claims and raised questions about how the university responded to the allegations.

The woman filed a lawsuit on Sept. 16 under the name Jane Doe against the university, the national and local Chi Phi organizations, other defendants, and seven current and former Chi Phi fraternity members, claiming that the men sexually assaulted her when she was 20 years old, and the school failed to protect her.

Tompkins County District Attorney's Office confirmed that it has reopened an investigation into the case of alleged gang rape. While the district attorney argues that the woman’s claims in her civil lawsuit do not align with what she said in a sworn statement in November 2024, Jane Doe’s lawyer accused authorities of failing to follow up with his client.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has since appointed state Attorney General Letitia James as special prosecutor in the case, and said Cornell has agreed to hire outside counsel for an independent investigation.

Here are six things to know about the Cornell fraternity gang rape allegations.