Cornell University has appointed Sally Yates, a former deputy attorney general from the Obama administration, to lead an independent review of the school’s handling of sexual assault allegations. Yates was discharged by President Donald Trump during his first term. Her assignment comes amid Cornell facing scrutiny over an alleged gang rape at a fraternity house in October 2024.
Yates, along with King & Spalding, will have access to Cornell’s internal documents as part of the investigation. This includes case files, oversight records for Greek organizations, law enforcement communications, and disciplinary hearing records. Yates brings extensive Justice Department experience to the role. Her public profile has been shaped by her confrontation with Trump and her role in the Russia investigation.
Sally Yates’ Career and Clashes with Trump
President Barack Obama nominated Yates as deputy attorney general in January 2015. She was confirmed by the Senate four months later with a vote of 84-12. Before this, she served as U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Georgia, appointed by Obama in 2010.
During the presidential transition, Trump’s incoming administration requested Yates to remain as acting attorney general until his nominee, Jeff Sessions, received Senate confirmation. Her tenure lasted only ten days. Trump dismissed Yates on January 30, 2017, after she instructed Justice Department lawyers not to defend his executive order limiting travel and refugee admissions from seven predominantly Muslim countries. The White House accused Yates of betraying the Department of Justice by not enforcing Trump’s legal order. Yates argued that she was not convinced of the directive’s legality.
In May 2017, Yates testified before a Senate Judiciary subcommittee concerning Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. Her testimony involved warnings to White House Counsel Don McGahn about Trump’s national security adviser, Michael Flynn.
Cornell Rape Allegations and Yates’ Role
Cornell University’s president stated the institution must do better in handling sexual assault allegations. Yates’ review focuses on allegations involving members of the Chi Phi fraternity. Her previous experiences include leading an independent investigation into the National Women’s Soccer League’s sexual misconduct and abuse cases.
In October 2021, Yates was commissioned by the U.S. Soccer Federation for an investigation that uncovered verbal, emotional abuse, sexual misconduct, and failures by teams and league officials to address complaints. The report recommended stronger background checks, more straightforward reporting procedures, and greater accountability.
Cornell selected Yates and her firm because of their expertise in higher education and independent investigations. Her involvement coincides with New York Attorney General Letitia James opening a state investigation into Cornell’s sexual assault allegations.
Cornell’s previous investigations led to suspensions and expulsions of several students involved. A lawsuit filed by the alleged victim has renewed national attention and raised questions about the university’s responses. The investigations have separate mandates: James will focus on the specific case, while Yates will review Cornell’s broader policies and procedures regarding sexual assault and dating violence.
Fox News Digital reached out to Yates for comment. Elaine Mallon, a writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business, covers national politics.
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