New York Governor Transfers Cornell Gang Rape Probe to Attorney General

Governor Kathy Hochul transferred the criminal investigation of a 2024 gang rape allegation at Cornell University to Attorney General Letitia James on October 7. Speaking at a press conference in Manhattan, Hochul stated she had lost faith in the local district attorney's ability to handle the case, which involves allegations of sexual assault at a university fraternity.

The transfer follows a lawsuit filed by a former student against seven members of the Chi Phi fraternity, the fraternity's national and local organizations, Cornell University, the Delta Delta Delta sorority, and a local bar. While initial probes by Ithaca police and the Cornell Office of Civil Rights concluded the conduct was consensual, the lawsuit alleges the woman was incapacitated by drugs and alcohol. In response to the suit and public pressure, Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten announced he is reopening the criminal case.

Cornell University has faced intense backlash, including student rallies and a planned seven-hour sit-in. The Cornell University Faculty Senate is preparing a no-confidence vote against the administration, scheduled for review on October 14. Cornell President Michael Kotlikoff has welcomed an independent review of the university's sexual assault response policies by an outside law firm and has banned the Chi Phi fraternity from campus.