Cornell president pledges greater transparency over 2024 case

Cornell University's president called the alleged gang rape of a student at a fraternity house in 2024 "deeply disturbing" on Saturday and said it would weigh on the university for years to come, as he pledged greater transparency amid mounting outrage over the school's handling of the case.

In a video message to the Cornell community, Michael Kotlikoff described the past week as one of the most difficult in the university's history and acknowledged troubling questions about the investigations that followed the allegations.

"My heart aches when I think of what she experienced," Kotlikoff said. "It raises heartbreaking and troubling issues about sexual assault, dehumanization, and aspects of party culture, alcohol, and drug use."

"I believe we as an administration and we as a community must do better," he continued.

Kotlikoff reaffirmed his commitment to supporting an independent investigation of the case called for by New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and said Cornell's Board of Trustees would announce details next week.

He also expressed support for Hochul's decision to turn the criminal investigation over to the state attorney general.

Scrutiny has mounted in recent days over Cornell's response to allegations that the woman was sexually assaulted by multiple fraternity members in 2024. The woman, identified in court documents as Jane Doe, has sued the university and seven former students.

During a student assembly hearing Thursday that gave students to voice concerns and discuss proposals to improve Cornell's response to sexual assault, several speakers called for Kotlikoff's resignation.

Kotlikoff acknowledged frustration that Cornell has not communicated enough about its handling of the case, saying that has led to distrust. He pledged greater transparency and more opportunities for students, parents, and others to engage with university leaders.

He also committed Cornell's support to legislative efforts to change New York's sexual assault laws.