Examining Records of Cornell University’s Title IX Investigation
CBS News New York has obtained records detailing Cornell University’s Title IX investigation into an alleged gang rape at a fraternity. These documents provide insight into the experience of Jane Doe, who reported the incident, as well as accounts from the accused individuals and witnesses.
Insights from the Title IX Investigation
The investigation included interviews with Jane Doe, six of the seven men named in the civil lawsuit, and 20 witnesses. Some of the information is graphic and distressing. One roommate described Doe’s reaction as she recounted the incident the morning after it supposedly occurred at the Chi Phi house in October 2024. The roommate recalled Doe laughing but appearing to be in shock, not labeling the event as rape or assault.
Another roommate mentioned Doe expressing discomfort and sharing a conversation with one of the men about having sexual contact while under the influence of ketamine. These accounts were documented in transcripts distributed in January 2025. While CBS News New York obtained these records from a source, they do not include the Title IX panel’s hearing minutes, reasoning, or final findings.
Jane Doe’s Statement and Accused Men’s Responses
In her Title IX interview, Doe shared her lack of “excitement and enthusiasm,” which she stated is crucial for consent. She mentioned feeling pressured to consume more substances and expressed discomfort to one of the accused men. Doe was unable to specify when she lost her ability to make decisions during the incident.
The men accused of rape and assault also provided their statements. One man claimed Doe agreed to him taking ketamine from her body. Scott Kretzschmar, another accused individual, asserted he was briefly present, did not see Doe unclothed, and did not partake in drug usage. He conveyed Doe appeared sober and responded with “I’m good” when asked about her well-being.
Allegations and Institutional Response
The lawsuit accuses seven men with varying accusations, including rape against four of them. Kretzschmar is specifically accused of snorting ketamine from Doe’s body, an allegation denied by his attorney, Jeremy Saland. Saland criticized Cornell’s Title IX process, claiming it was biased against the accused.
Cornell informed that their Title IX procedure lasted several months, involved a trained panel hearing, and led to sanctions such as expulsions and suspensions. The accusations instigated public outrage and scrutiny concerning the university’s and police’s handling of the case. Though the district attorney initially refused to file charges, the investigation has now been reopened.
CBS News New York’s investigative department continues to review the records concerning this case.
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