New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced that New York State Police will assume jurisdiction over all sexual assault complaints at Cornell University following fallout from a 2024 campus gang-rape allegation. A civil lawsuit filed by a student known as Jane Doe alleges she was drugged and assaulted by seven Chi Phi fraternity members. Amid criticism, Cornell's Faculty Senate is voting on a no-confidence resolution against President Michael Kotlikoff, while a state judge considers a defense motion to remove special prosecutor Letitia James over alleged social media bias.
State police takeover of Cornell investigations
- ▪New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced an agreement signed October 29, 2026, between New York State Police and Cornell University for state police to immediately handle campus sexual offense complaints unless the accuser requests otherwise.
- ▪Governor Kathy Hochul stated that survivors of sexual assault deserve to know their allegations will be thoroughly investigated by law enforcement trained to support survivors and trust protecting institutions.
- ▪Cornell President Michael Kotlikoff stated that Cornell Police will assist state law enforcement partners with sexual assault investigations as requested and maintain relevant records and evidence.
Cornell response measures
- ▪In October 2026, Cornell University announced measures responding to the alleged sexual assault, including adding sexual assault investigators to its police force.
- ▪Cornell University appointed former U.S. Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates through a board of trustees committee to conduct an independent review of the institution's handling of sexual assault allegations.
Allegations and legal denials in Chi Phi Assault Case
- ▪Attorneys for the accused former Chi Phi fraternity members have denied the rape allegations, with some arguing the sexual activity was consensual and others disputing their clients' participation.
- ▪Although Cornell University expelled or disciplined several students following Jane Doe's complaint, local prosecutor offices initially filed no criminal charges against the accused men.
- ▪A civil lawsuit filed in mid-September 2026 alleges a female student known as Jane Doe was drugged with ketamine and gang-raped by seven former Chi Phi fraternity members in October 2024.
Disqualification petition against Attorney General Letitia James
- ▪New York Governor Kathy Hochul appointed Attorney General Letitia James as a special prosecutor to oversee a criminal investigation into the Cornell University gang rape allegations
- ▪Judge James R. Farrell heard oral arguments regarding the request to remove Attorney General Letitia James from the Cornell investigation
- ▪Defense attorney Andrew Miltenberg filed a court petition on behalf of accused student Gillio Lopes seeking to disqualify New York Attorney General Letitia James over alleged bias shown in a social media post.
- ▪Assistant Attorney General Kaitlin Vigars argued before the court that public statements by prosecutors do not meet the legal threshold for disqualification without a showing of actual prejudice.
Faculty Senate no-confidence vote on university leadership
- ▪The Faculty Senate's no-confidence vote at Cornell University is open to approximately 135 voting members starting October 30 and concluding on November 6, 2026.
- ▪Cornell University's Faculty Senate advanced a non-binding resolution expressing no confidence in the university central administration and President Michael Kotlikoff
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