New York governor appoints special prosecutor in Cornell gang rape case

New York prosecutors have reopened a criminal investigation into an alleged gang rape at Cornell University. The move follows a civil lawsuit filed earlier this month by a former student known as Jane Doe and public outrage over the original decision not to bring charges. New York's governor, Kathy Hochul, has appointed a special prosecutor and asked the state attorney general, Letitia James, to take over the case. Hochul said she had lost faith in local prosecutors.

Jane Doe says she was a 20-year-old student in October 2024 when she was sexually assaulted at the Chi Phi fraternity house. According to her lawsuit, she was visibly intoxicated after a night out and went to the house to see a friend. Two fraternity members are accused of pressuring her into snorting ketamine, giving her other drugs and alcohol, and sexually assaulting her. At 1:42am, one of the men allegedly sent a vulgar message to a Chi Phi Snapchat group offering that she was available for sex. More men then took part, the lawsuit says, and the alleged rape continued until around 5:45am.

The lawsuit names Cornell University, seven Chi Phi fraternity brothers and others. Jane Doe's lawyer says she was too intoxicated to consent. Some of the accused have disputed her account or deny involvement. The original investigation was conducted by Cornell police and local prosecutors. They decided that criminal charges were not appropriate based on Jane Doe's original statement, which they say differs from the civil lawsuit. No arrests were made. Her lawyer claims that only two of the seven alleged attackers were expelled, while others received lighter punishment including writing essays.

Cornell disputes that those involved were not strongly punished. The university says a months-long investigation led to expulsions and suspensions, and the fraternity chapter remains closed. Cornell released a statement supporting the decision to reopen the criminal case. Its president, Michael Kotlikoff, said the allegation was deeply disturbing and promised greater transparency and a serious review of the role of fraternities and sororities. He said the university was committed to finding the answers the community deserves.

Governor Hochul has also backed a change to New York state law on consent. She said voluntary intoxication should not be a licence for sexual assault or gang rape. State Senator Leah Webb said she was disgusted by the case and pointed to systemic failures. She said a bill on voluntary intoxication, carried by colleagues, would close a loophole so that victims can pursue charges. Students at Cornell have protested, demanding that the university believe survivors and hold people accountable.

Jane Doe's lawyer says she has been targeted with threats and that people online have tried to identify her. Women around the world have shared the phrase 'I am Jane Doe' in solidarity. Cornell's president has also reportedly been threatened. The case has reignited a national debate about sexual assault on campus. The nonprofit It's On Us says one in five women are sexually assaulted during their time on campus and that many prevention programmes are check-the-box exercises that do not address consent education. A fresh criminal investigation will now examine the evidence and decide whether anyone should be charged.