Alumni are considering withdrawing financial support, celebrities are expressing disapproval, and individuals are boycotting establishments linked to an alleged gang rape at Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y., causing a stir online.
The incident gained attention when the victim, identified as Jane Doe in legal documents, filed a civil lawsuit on Sept. 16, accusing the prestigious Ivy League institution of shielding seven men, known as “the Cornell 7,” who she claims drugged and assaulted her at a fraternity house in October 2024.
According to the lawsuit, the assault occurred at the Chi Phi fraternity house on campus, where one member allegedly sent a Snapchat message inviting others to join for “free pussy.” The accused were allegedly given temporary suspensions and the chance to write essays to address their behavior, a claim Cornell has refuted.
Despite no criminal charges against the fraternity members, the case has sparked outrage online, drawing parallels to a previous sexual assault trial involving Hockey Canada players in London, Ont.
Tompkins County’s district attorney announced the reopening of the investigation on Monday. Cornell supported the decision for a criminal grand jury to review the allegations but disagreed with the lawsuit’s portrayal of how the accused were disciplined.
The lawsuit details the harrowing events of the night, alleging that Jane Doe was subjected to various forms of abuse without her consent, leading to severe emotional and physical distress. She is seeking unspecified damages from the seven men, the fraternity, the university, and other parties involved.
The backlash online has been swift, with Cornell alumni urging a halt to donations, individuals rejecting school acceptances, and campaigns targeting the accused and related institutions. Public figures like actors Josh Gad and Florence Pugh have condemned the alleged assault and criticized the university’s response.
Authorities have been called to investigate further, with New York Governor Kathy Hochul demanding an independent review of the university’s actions. The district attorney clarified the initial investigation’s outcome and addressed the challenges faced in pursuing criminal charges based on the victim’s statements.
Jane Doe’s lawyer criticized the handling of the case by university police and raised concerns about the investigation. The accused men have sought legal representation, with denials of the allegations made by one of the lawyers representing them. Additionally, a company terminated a contract with one of the accused individuals in light of the allegations.
For immediate assistance or to seek support, individuals in danger or distress can contact emergency services or access crisis hotlines and local services through resources like the Ending Sexual Violence Association of Canada database.