Cornell says suspensions, expulsions followed Chi Phi case

Cornell University says its disciplinary process over an alleged 2024 sexual assault involving seven Chi Phi members resulted in suspensions and expulsions, disputing a civil lawsuit’s allegation that the students faced only temporary suspensions and essay assignments. Separately, Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten has reopened the criminal investigation, which had not led to charges. The lawsuit, filed in September by a former student identified as Jane Doe, alleges that seven fraternity members assaulted her at the Chi Phi house in Ithaca, New York, in October 2024. The complaint says two men encouraged her to consume a substance described as ketamine before the alleged assaults and that fraternity members discussed the incident in a group chat. The allegations have not been established in court, and the seven defendants have not been criminally charged. Cornell said none of the accused students was offered essays as the sole consequence.