A civil lawsuit alleges a 2024 gang rape at Cornell University’s Chi Phi fraternity, prompting an independent review led by former Justice Department official Sally Yates and sparking campus protests. The victim, Jane Doe, claims she was drugged and assaulted over several hours, with seven fraternity members later dubbed “the Cornell 7.”
Jane Doe, a former Cornell student, filed a civil lawsuit in September 2026 alleging she was drugged and repeatedly raped at the Chi Phi fraternity house in October 2024. The lawsuit, reviewed by CBC News, claims she was pressured to snort a substance described as ketamine and later assaulted by multiple men, including one who sent a Snapchat message inviting others to join “free pussy.” The incident, which Doe described as a gang rape, led to temporary suspensions for the accused, but no criminal charges have been filed. The seven Chi Phi members named in the lawsuit are Matthew Ingalls, Johnathan Newell, Winston Lee, Gillio Lopes, Diego Sarabia, Scott Norris and Scott Kretzschmar, according to reports from The Cut and cbc.ca.
Cornell’s Independent Review and Institutional Response
Cornell University has retained Sally Yates, a former U.S. Deputy Attorney General, to lead an independent review of its handling of the case. The Special Committee of the Board of Trustees, chaired by Anne Meinig Smalling, stated the review will examine the university’s policies, investigative processes, and responses to sexual misconduct. Yates, who previously led investigations into sexual misconduct in U.S. soccer, will report findings directly to the committee. The university has also faced criticism for its initial response, with Doe’s attorney, Thomas Giuffra, alleging that campus police failed to conduct a trauma-informed investigation. The Ithaca Police Department said in a statement that it had not received the allegations through official channels, learning of the case through the media.
The university’s internal investigation, conducted from November 2024 to May 2025, included reviewing communications between the accused students. Text messages obtained by ABC News show fraternity members discussing the incident, with one writing, “F—-,” after learning of Doe’s report. Another message, sent by fraternity president Diego Sarabia, read, Should I call [Jane]?
while others debated how to respond. The police statement provided by Doe was later condensed, omitting details such as her assertion that she was 100 percent confident
she had been raped. Cornell said it conducted an internal disciplinary investigation in 2024, with no individuals charged offered the opportunity to write essays as a sole consequence of their involvement.
New York Attorney General Letitia James has launched a separate investigation, with prosecutors considering whether to pursue criminal charges. However, New York’s legal standards for consent—requiring physical helplessness
—pose a challenge, according to legal experts. Erin Murphy, a NYU law professor, noted that impaired individuals may not meet this threshold, complicating potential prosecutions. Meanwhile, Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten has announced plans to present the case to a grand jury, pending further evidence. Van Houten said his office relied on Cornell’s investigation to determine whether there was enough evidence to bring a criminal case and did not independently investigate the allegations.
Campus Protests and Faculty Criticism
Campus protests have erupted over the handling of the case, with faculty members calling for accountability. The Cornell Faculty Senate introduced a resolution for a vote of no confidence in the administration, citing failures in addressing sexual violence. Over 40 senators expressed support for the measure, as students and alumni demanded reforms. Protests turned confrontational when activists vandalized the administration building, spray-painting smash the patriarchy
on its walls. Faculty members like Sabrina Karim accused the university of fostering a “rape culture,” while others emphasized the need for systemic change.
The case has also reignited debates about campus safety and institutional accountability. A 2025 Cornell survey found 35 percent of undergraduate women reported experiencing nonconsensual sexual contact
during their time at on the university’s campuses, an increase from the 23 percent in the 2023 survey. The lawsuit names the university, the fraternity, and individual students, alleging negligence and inadequate support for victims. The Cornell Daily Sun’s editorial board called for a transparent, independent review of the university’s response,
stating that the allegations were nothing short of horrifying.
Legal and Social Fallout
The accused students have denied wrongdoing. Scott Kretzschmar’s attorney claimed his client was only briefly in the room, while Gillio Lopes’ lawyer rejected the allegations. Meanwhile, the case has drawn national attention, with figures like Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez expressing support for Doe. Legal analysts note that the outcome could set a precedent for handling similar cases, particularly regarding the role of campus police and the definition of consent.
The case highlights ongoing challenges in balancing due process for the accused with support for victims, a tension that has fueled both outrage and calls for reform. As the investigation unfolds, the university faces pressure to demonstrate transparency and accountability in its response to the allegations.
The lawsuit has also sparked debates about the role of social media in sexual assault cases. A Reddit thread saw users using fictional characters or celebrities to obscure Doe’s identity, with one user writing, Jane Doe’s name? Nunya. Nunya Business.
Chirag Shah, a professor at the University of Washington’s Information School, called this tactic information poisoning,
noting that it could confuse search engines and AI chatbots. The online movement has raised concerns about the reliability of digital evidence and the challenges of protecting victims’ identities in the age of misinformation.
Cornell’s response to the lawsuit includes a commitment to prevent sexual violence, support those who come forward, and respond to allegations rigorously, fairly, and compassionately. The university said it would share the results of Yates’ review with the Cornell community. Meanwhile, the Ithaca Police Department reiterated its statement that it was “disturbed” by the accusations but emphasized that the alleged incident had never been reported to them. The department urged anyone with information to come forward, stating, We want to understand not just what happened in 2024, but how Cornell can become a leader in preventing sexual violence.
The case has also highlighted the challenges of campus investigations. A 2025 survey by Cornell found a 4% increase in nonconsensual sexual contact
among students since 2023, with critics arguing that the university’s Title IX investigation faced unique challenges in determining liability. The case has prompted calls for stricter enforcement of consent laws, with New York Governor Kathy Hochul urging a transparent, independent review of the university’s response.
Hochul called the allegations “horrifying” and praised Doe for her courage in coming forward.
As the legal and institutional processes continue, the Cornell Seven case remains a focal point for discussions about sexual violence, accountability, and the role of universities in protecting students. The outcome of Yates’ review and the attorney general’s investigation could shape policies nationwide, with advocates urging swift and comprehensive reforms to address systemic failures. For now, the case continues the struggle to balance justice, privacy, and institutional responsibility in the face of sexual misconduct.