Cornell president says ‘my heart aches’ over Jane Doe’s case as records show campus police made a drug arrest at Chi Phi the day she arrived

Cornell University president Michael Kotlikoff recently promised a serious look at the role of fraternities and sororities on campus following the intense scrutiny surrounding the school’s handling of an alleged sexual assault case from 2024. However, even as he made this promise, new details emerged that the university was aware of drug activity at the Chi Phi fraternity house leading up to the incident. 

According to an Associated Press report, Kotlikoff described the alleged gang rape of the former student, referred to as Jane Doe, as “deeply disturbing” and acknowledged that the case would weigh on the university for years to come. In an eight-minute video message shared with the Cornell community, Kotlikoff called the past week one of the most difficult in the university’s history, noting that the situation raises troubling issues about the past investigation.

“My heart aches when I think of what she experienced,” Kotlikoff said in the video. “It raises heartbreaking and troubling issues about sexual assault, dehumanization and aspects of party culture, alcohol and drug use.” The situation is further complicated by a new detail reported by the NY Post: that Cornell University Police had arrived at the Chi Phi house shortly before the alleged assault took place for a drug-related call. 

There were multiple reports and allegations of drugs at Chi Phi

The New York Post reported that per the department’s Daily Crime Log, campus police conducted a drug-related arrest at the fraternity house at approximately 1:05 a.m. on October 19, 2024. This action followed a reported ketamine overdose at the same location on October 18, 2024. A Title IX hearing decision documented that “Ketamine was a substance used by multiple individuals in the Chi Phi house at the time, including [redacted] who had overdosed on or about Oct. 18, 2024.”

These revelations have reportedly sparked fresh questions about why the Chi Phi fraternity was not suspended immediately following these documented incidents of drug activity. Additionally, the Post highlighted that Jane Doe’s lawsuit alleges that Cornell “knew or should have known” of Chi Phi’s history of drug use. The outlet noted that the lawsuit claims that the police responded to other drug-related incidents a week before the alleged assault. 

The NY Post noted that university policy states that chapters may be placed on interim suspension when violations pose health and safety risks. However, Chi Phi was not suspended until November 8, 2024, the same day Jane Doe reported the alleged assault to campus police. ABC News reported that Jane Doe allegedly arrived at the fraternity house around 11 p.m. on October 19, 2024, less than a day after the drug-related arrest. No criminal charges have been filed against anyone in connection with the alleged assault.

The university has faced significant backlash for its internal processes. According to AP News, several speakers called for the president’s resignation during a student assembly hearing on Thursday. Kotlikoff acknowledged this frustration, admitting that a lack of clear communication has led to widespread distrust. 

While he cited “real legal and privacy limits” on what the university can disclose, he pledged greater transparency moving forward, per the Associated Press. “I want to acknowledge something that can be difficult for an institution to say,” Kotlikoff said. “We don’t have all the answers, but we are committed to investigating and finding the answers our community deserves.”

The outlet noted that New York Governor Kathy Hochul has appointed Attorney General Letitia James as a special prosecutor to investigate the allegations. Kotlikoff expressed his support for this decision and reaffirmed his commitment to an independent review of the university’s handling of the case. 

He also stated that Cornell would support legislative efforts to address the “voluntary intoxication loophole” in New York law. The law has reportedly been a point of contention in the initial decision not to pursue criminal charges. However, the Tompkins County DA has claimed that part of the reason criminal charges were not filed is that the university did not give his office all the evidence, which Cornell has vehemently denied.

Per Reuters, Cornell is now looking toward a broader cultural shift. In the video message to the community, Kotlikoff announced that the University would take “a serious look at the role of ⁠fraternities and sororities in campus life.” He emphasized that while Greek life can offer friendship and mentorship, these benefits cannot excuse a lack of accountability. 

“Being part of a group can never diminish individual responsibility for our own actions, for how we treat others or for speaking up when someone may be at risk,” he stated. The university reportedly intends to engage with students, alumni, and other stakeholders to determine how to “preserve what is valuable about Greek life while strengthening individual accountability, transparency and a culture in ​which every member understands their responsibility to protect the safety and well-being of others.”