A former student at Cornell University has made serious allegations against seven members of the university’s Chi Phi fraternity, claiming she was sexually assaulted in an incident that occurred in October 2024. In a civil suit filed on September 16, 2023, the woman, identified only as Jane Doe, describes a terrifying experience where she alleges that she was gang-raped at the fraternity house after being given drugs by two fraternity brothers.
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The incident reportedly took place while she was already under the influence of alcohol, having attended a party at her sorority and a nightclub before arriving at the fraternity house alone. The lawsuit describes a disturbing incident in which one of the accused allegedly communicated in a Snapchat group chat titled “Chi Phi Actives,” boasting about there being “free p—- upstairs.” This group message underscores the alleged predatory behaviour that the woman claims led to hours of assault.
After grappling with feelings of shame and humiliation in the aftermath, the woman ultimately reported the incident to campus police in November 2024. However, her understanding of the events shifted following her discovery of an online comment about the Chi Phi fraternity. A user on an online forum expressed outrage by stating, “They do drugs and gang-raped a sophomore,” encouraging victims to report their experiences. This comment contributed to her realisation of what had transpired, prompting her to reconsider her perception of herself as a victim.
In her recounting, the woman explained to investigators that it was at this moment she accepted she had indeed been subjected to gang rape. She recalled, “That’s the first time I had ever heard the narrative change, that I wasn’t a whore and that I was assaulted.” Despite ultimately reporting the alleged assault, the criminal prosecution did not lead to any charges against the fraternity members at that time.
In the wake of the allegations, the woman left Cornell University, which is also named in her civil lawsuit. Her attorney, Thomas Giuffra, has claimed that only two of the seven accused fraternity members faced expulsion, with the others receiving lighter consequences, such as having to write essays. Notably, none of the fraternity members were arrested following the investigation.
Cornell University responded to these claims, stating that the assertion that it did not impose significant punishments is untrue. Officials indicated that the university undertook a thorough investigation, which lasted for several months, and imposed various sanctions on the students involved, including expulsions and temporary suspensions. Additionally, the Chi Phi chapter has been permanently closed and banned from campus.
On September 28, Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten announced the reopening of a criminal investigation into the allegations, stating that he intends to present the case to a grand jury. However, he noted that there were discrepancies between the woman’s initial statements to investigators and her civil complaint. In response, Giuffra has asserted that his client’s accounts are consistent.
Cornell University has publicly supported the district attorney’s decision to further investigate the matter. Legal representatives for three of the accused fraternity members have refuted the allegations, insisting on their innocence.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the case has sparked considerable discussion around issues of consent, accountability, and the handling of sexual assault allegations within university environments. The public continues to monitor developments in what has become a prominent case, reflecting broader societal conversations about sexual violence and the support available for victims.
For those who may have experienced sexual assault, resources are available including the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) and online services at rainn.org.