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Cornell University has banned parties and social gatherings at fraternity houses through the end of the academic year amid a scandal involving an alleged group sexual assault at a fraternity house in 2024.
University President Michael Kotlikoff announced the decision on Oct. 13, following a lawsuit filed by a former student who identifies herself as Jane Doe. The woman alleges in the lawsuit that seven men sexually assaulted her at a party held at a fraternity house.
The university, located in Ithaca, New York, has faced mounting criticism from students, faculty members, alumni and donors over its handling of the case.
The ban applies to houses affiliated with Cornell University’s Interfraternity Council, which lists 34 fraternities.
“These measures will create time for a comprehensive review of fraternity life at Cornell and to determine whether and how it can continue safely,” Kotlikoff said in a statement.
The Interfraternity Council did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Investigation reopened as dispute over prosecutor emerges
An investigation into the alleged 2024 assault was reopened after the lawsuit was filed in September.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul appointed state Attorney General Letitia James as an independent special prosecutor, citing shortcomings in the earlier investigation.
U.S. President Donald Trump again called on Oct. 13 for James to be removed from the investigation. “The Governor must immediately remove James from this case,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.
Trump had also criticized James’ appointment earlier in October, but officials have taken no action following his remarks. Hochul’s office and the attorney general’s office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
None of the seven men named in the lawsuit has been criminally charged.
Protests and calls for accountability grow at university
The lawsuit, which names seven fraternity members, Cornell University and other parties, has prompted demonstrations and intensified scrutiny of the university leadership’s actions.
Faculty members are considering a vote of no confidence, while alumni have criticized the administration’s response. At a public gathering, students accused university officials of failing to address what they described as a culture of sexual violence on campus.
“In recent weeks, I have listened to students, faculty, staff, parents, alumni and members of the Board of Trustees. They have expressed deep commitment to and sympathy for Jane Doe, as well as anger and disappointment that this could have happened at Cornell,” Kotlikoff said.
He said women on campus continued to question whether they felt safe. Kotlikoff also announced that additional staff would be hired to support survivors of sexual violence.
Alongside restrictions on fraternity houses, Cornell plans to work with the New York State Police on investigations and accelerate implementation of recommendations previously developed by a university task force on sexual violence.
The measures follow the results of a university survey conducted in 2025. In the survey, 35% of female undergraduate students said they had experienced non-consensual sexual contact involving force or incapacitation since beginning their studies at Cornell.
“At this point, we must acknowledge our shortcomings and take meaningful action,” Kotlikoff said.
