Cornell halts fraternity parties, enlists state police in campus assault inquiries
Cornell University has suspended fraternity house parties for the rest of the academic year and given state police a role in investigating reports of sexual assault on campus. President Michael Kotlikoff announced the measures as the school faces backlash over its handling of a gang rape allegation.
Cornell has barred fraternity-hosted parties for the remainder of the academic year. The university also gave state police a role in reviewing reports of sexual assault on campus. President Michael Kotlikoff announced the steps as Cornell faces criticism over its response to an allegation of gang rape.
The measures affect fraternity social events and bring outside law enforcement into assault inquiries. They follow backlash over how the school handled the allegation.
The suspension could shrink fraternity social life for the rest of the year, affecting students who attend or organize those events. State police involvement may change how assault reports are handled, possibly reassuring some while raising privacy or trust concerns for others. The episode may shape how other schools weigh campus discipline, outside law enforcement, and support for survivors.