A former student from Cornell University has alleged that she was the victim of a horrific sexual assault involving multiple members of the Chi Phi fraternity in October 2024. Her attorney, Thomas Giuffra, has expressed grave concerns regarding her mental health after the traumatic incident, depicting her state as “hanging on by a string.”
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Giuffra spoke to NBC News on 2 October, detailing the toll that the alleged assault and the ensuing legal proceedings have taken on her life. He described how the student, referred to as Jane Doe in legal documents, had harboured dreams of attending the prestigious Cornell Hotel School since childhood. Coming from a small town where few pursued Ivy League education, her ambition was particularly significant. However, Giuffra explained how the incident has drastically altered her reality.
According to the lawsuit, which was filed on 16 September in the New York Supreme Court, Jane Doe claims she was drugged and sexually assaulted by seven members of the Chi Phi fraternity. At the time of the incident, she was reportedly intoxicated after attending a sorority event and a nightclub before visiting the fraternity to see a friend. It was during this visit on the night of 19 October that she alleges two fraternity members provided her with drugs before proceeding to assault her.
The court documents outline that the situation escalated when one of the accused allegedly communicated in a Snapchat group chat – named “Chi Phi Actives” – that there was “free p—-” available upstairs. This indicated a premeditated nature to the assault, which reportedly involved additional fraternity members joining in until the early hours of the morning.
Despite the seriousness of the allegations, there was a significant delay in reporting the incident to law enforcement until November 2024, after which no charges were filed against the accused at that time. In a police statement, Jane Doe described feeling coerced into the assault, highlighting her intoxication as a significant factor in her inability to consent.
Giuffra conveyed the challenges that Doe faced following the incident, revealing that she wished to withdraw from Cornell but was deterred by financial implications for her parents. While her mother was supportive and frequently visited, her situation became untenable, leading to her eventual departure from the university. The attorney noted that Doe has since required extensive mental health treatment, demonstrating the profound impact this experience has had on her well-being.
The aftermath of the alleged assault has not only affected Doe but also raised concerns regarding the university’s response to sexual violence. Reports indicated that only two of the accused students faced expulsion, whereas others received lighter penalties, such as being tasked with writing essays. Giuffra stated that none of the fraternity members were arrested following the allegations.
In light of Doe’s civil complaint, District Attorney Matthew Van Houten released a statement highlighting discrepancies between her police report and the account made in the civil suit. He announced plans to reopen the investigation and requested that the case be presented to a grand jury for further review.
Cornell University has publicly stated its commitment to addressing sexual violence, confirming that the Chi Phi fraternity chapter is currently barred from campus. In response to the allegations, attorneys for three of the accused individuals have denied the claims against their clients, asserting their innocence.
The ongoing case continues to draw attention to the issues of consent and the treatment of sexual assault survivors within educational institutions. As the legal proceedings progress, Jane Doe’s situation underscores the critical need for awareness and support for individuals affected by such traumatic experiences.
Support services are available for those experiencing sexual violence; individuals can reach out to the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or visit the website rainn.org for assistance.