The Chi Phi fraternity at Cornell University faces severe scrutiny after allegations of gang rape involving its members. A photo purportedly depicting the victim, Jane Doe, smiling alongside another man, was shared among Chi Phi fraternity members on Snapchat the night of the alleged rape in October 2024. This image was brought into light through Doe’s attorney.
Messages accompanying the photo were also shared in a group chat. One message suggested a casual attitude towards entering and taking part, while another queried about accessibility, receiving a simple affirmative response.
Jane Doe, who was 20 at the time, has filed a lawsuit against seven students and the university. Following an internal investigation, Cornell President Michael I. Kotlikoff reported that two accused were expelled, two suspended, one had graduated, and two were found not responsible for sexual misconduct. No arrests were made at that time.
Two accused individuals denied any wrongdoing through legal representation, while others did not comment publicly. In 2024, the Chi Phi chapter was shut down following these events.
The case drew further attention when the Tompkins County district attorney reopened the investigation. This decision arose after criticism of the initial handling, leading to Governor Kathy Hochul appointing Attorney General Letitia James as a special prosecutor.
Cornell’s Title IX investigation recognized the gravity of the allegations. In a May 2025 hearing, Jane Doe testified, describing the night as distressing and comparing her experience to being preyed upon, compounded by the effects of consuming ketamine. She described a disconnection between consciousness and mental function.
Numerous documents obtained include interviews with Jane Doe, witnesses, and six accused men. Responses vary, with some men claiming Doe appeared sober and consenting, whilst Doe recounts a traumatic night characterized by intimidation and exploitation.
Doe detailed an especially traumatic incident involving confinement and assault in a closet. She reported instances of fading consciousness due to fear and confusion.
After the alleged incident, a friend of one accused contacted a fellow student requesting discretion on events potentially witnessed. Subsequently, three of the accused reportedly apologized to Jane Doe.
A significant matter arose when Jane Doe attended a campus clinic two days post-incident, seeking treatment for a urinary tract infection. She informed medical staff about acquiring the infection under distressing circumstances. Instead of being directed to rape crisis services, she was advised to speak to someone, prompting dissatisfaction with the response.
At a Cornell town hall, students called for systemic changes in how sexual assault reports are handled. Jane Wang of the Cornell ACLU chapter emphasized the need for responsive actions from institutions when survivors share their stories, highlighting that this incident portrayed a failure to meet those expectations.
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