DA’s Office Addresses ‘Vulgar’ Screenshot from Alleged Cornell Gang Rape

The Tompkins County District Attorney has announced the reopening of an investigation into allegations of sexual assault involving multiple students at Cornell University. This decision follows a lawsuit filed by a woman, who has been identified in court documents as Jane Doe, alleging that she was sexually assaulted by seven individuals at a fraternity house in October 2024, after being intoxicated with drugs and alcohol.

The lawsuit, lodged on September 16, presents a serious account of the events that occurred at the Chi Phi fraternity house, where the complainant claims she was given both ketamine and marijuana against her will. Doe reported the alleged assault to the Cornell University Police Department several weeks after the incident, spurred on by encouragement from friends. However, it appears that no charges were brought against any of the alleged perpetrators at that time, causing significant public outcry over the matter.

Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten addressed the situation on September 28, stating that his office had not received evidence, specifically a screenshot of a Snapchat message sent by a fraternity member. This message suggested that others could take advantage of the situation, stating there was “free p—-” upstairs. Van Houten confirmed that, while he found this language appalling, it did not alter his legal assessment of the case, which is heavily reliant on the issue of consent as defined by New York State law.

In his statement, Van Houten noted that Jane Doe’s sworn account from November 2024 did not claim that she had been drugged against her will or subjected to gang rape. Despite this, acknowledging the complexities surrounding trauma and the healing process, he mentioned that the investigation would be revisited. “Healing from trauma is personal and different for every human,” he said, adding that the investigation would continue in light of public scrutiny and the desire for a thorough review.

Cornell University officials expressed their support for the decision to present Jane Doe’s case before a grand jury. The university has conducted its own Title IX investigation, which was separate from any criminal processes. This extensive inquiry resulted in the imposition of sanctions against the accused, including temporary suspensions and expulsions. Cornell emphasised that all parties involved had the opportunity to present evidence during a hearing, which lasted for several days.

The university also refuted claims made within the lawsuit suggesting that the disciplinary action consisted solely of written essays as a consequence for those involved. They asserted that appropriate and significant penalties had been enforced, reaffirming their commitment to handling such matters with due seriousness and in compliance with federal regulations.

Since the time of the alleged incident, the Chi Phi fraternity chapter has been discontinued and remains barred from the Cornell campus. The university underscored that any implications suggesting insufficient punitive measures against the accused are unfounded.

This case highlights ongoing discussions surrounding sexual assault on university campuses and raises questions about the manner in which such allegations are handled both legally and institutionally. Advocates for survivors emphasise the importance of believing and supporting victims, alongside ensuring that thorough investigations are conducted.

As authorities move forward, there will likely be further developments in both the legal proceedings and the broader conversation regarding sexual assault protocols within academic environments. The reopening of the investigation aims to address the concerns raised by Doe and her supporters while ensuring accountability for those accused.

For individuals who have experienced sexual assault or are aware of someone who has, resources such as the National Sexual Assault Hotline (1-800-656-HOPE) and the RAINN website provide confidential support and guidance.