Foto: BB.LV / протест
Cornell University, which is part of the prestigious Ivy League of elite universities in the U.S., has suspended all fraternity parties amid growing criticism regarding how the university administration responded to an alleged group rape that occurred in 2024. In a September lawsuit, a woman publicly identified only as "Jane Doe" (John and Jane Doe are traditional placeholders in the U.S. and Canada for a person's real name that is unknown or deliberately concealed) claimed that several fraternity members "pumped her full of alcohol and drugs to the point of intoxication," after which she was subjected to sexual assault for several hours. The alleged assailants then spread messages about the "available" woman on campus in the fraternity's Snapchat channel and group text messages. Protests in support of "Jane Doe" erupted across the country: Cornell's administration was accused of not sufficiently punishing the men involved in the case. After an internal investigation by the university, only two of the seven accused students were expelled, while the others received lighter disciplinary actions. The university administration required them to take special educational courses on sexual violence and write an essay. The fraternity's activities were suspended after "Jane Doe" first reported the incident, and the university administration took disciplinary measures against several students; however, no criminal charges were filed. In a statement released on Tuesday, Cornell President Michael Kotlikoff said he "deeply regrets the harm caused to Jane Doe" and that "this act of sexual violence occurred in our Cornell community." "All parties and social events in the Interfraternity Council (IFC) houses at Cornell will be suspended until the end of the 2026–2027 academic year," his statement continued, noting that this would allow for a "thorough analysis of fraternity life at Cornell to determine whether they can continue to exist and how to do so safely." Cornell University, located in Ithaca, New York, will implement a zero-tolerance policy regarding violations of this rule: any such fraternity organization will have its activities terminated if it is found to have hosted a party or social event in its facilities. "It is clear that women on our campus continue to question whether their safety is ensured. We must respond to this situation by acknowledging our shortcomings and taking constructive action," Kotlikoff said. The university has also appointed former U.S. Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates to conduct a "comprehensive independent investigation" into the university's response to the rape allegations. However, Kotlikoff stated on Tuesday that "it is clear: we cannot wait for the results of this review to take action." Other measures that will be taken by this elite Ivy League institution include appointing a special coordinator to provide support to individuals reporting cases of sexual harassment, as well as involving the New York State Police to allow investigators from that department to investigate any future allegations of sexual violence on campus.
