Cornell University has announced a broad review of the role of fraternities and sororities on campus following growing concern over how the school handled sexual assault allegations made by a student.
The move comes after a civil lawsuit filed last month by a woman who claims she was drugged and raped in 2024 by several members of the Chi Phi fraternity. The case has sparked strong reactions from students, alumni, and others connected to the university. It has also renewed debate about campus culture and student safety.
In a video message released on Saturday, Cornell President Michael Kotlikoff said the university would take steps to reduce the risk of similar incidents in the future. One major part of that effort will be a detailed review of Greek life and its place within the university community.
Kotlikoff said fraternities and sororities can offer important benefits to students. These groups often provide friendship, support, mentoring, and a sense of belonging. However, he stressed that membership in any organization does not remove personal responsibility.
He said every student must be accountable for their actions and for helping maintain a safe environment for others. According to the university president, the review will examine ways to keep the positive aspects of Greek life while improving accountability and transparency.
The university plans to gather opinions from students, alumni, faculty members, and other members of the Cornell community. The goal is to better understand how campus organizations can promote safety and respect while continuing to serve students.
The lawsuit names Cornell, several fraternity members, and others. The woman alleges that the university did not adequately punish some of the students accused in the case. The allegations have led many people to question whether current systems are strong enough to protect students and respond effectively to reports of sexual violence.
The accused men have denied wrongdoing.
Cornell has defended its actions. University officials say they launched a full investigation after the allegations were reported in 2024. The school also removed the Chi Phi fraternity from campus and imposed disciplinary actions. Those measures reportedly included expulsions and other penalties.
Even so, Kotlikoff acknowledged that more work is needed.
He said the university must continue to improve its response to serious incidents and build greater trust within the campus community. He added that the school remains committed to finding answers and addressing concerns raised by students and families.
The president also promised greater transparency regarding the university’s actions connected to the 2024 case. While he did not announce specific new policies, he said Cornell would provide additional opportunities for community members to ask questions and hear directly from university leaders in the coming weeks.
The case has drawn attention beyond the university. It has renewed discussion about how colleges and law enforcement agencies handle sexual assault complaints. Many students have expressed concern about whether current procedures provide enough protection and support for victims.
The situation has also attracted interest from state officials. A special prosecutor has been appointed to investigate matters related to the case.
At the same time, attention has turned to data collected through a state-required sexual violence survey conducted at Cornell in 2025. The survey included responses from undergraduate students and examined experiences involving nonconsensual sexual contact.
According to the survey findings, 35 percent of female undergraduate respondents reported experiencing nonconsensual sexual contact during their time at the university.
The 2025 survey also expanded its definition of such contact. For the first time, it specifically included unwanted choking or strangulation alongside other forms of nonconsensual penetration and sexual touching. The broader definition was intended to provide a more complete picture of student experiences and improve understanding of sexual violence on campus.
As Cornell moves forward with its review, university leaders say they hope to strengthen student safety, increase accountability, and build a campus culture where every individual understands their responsibility to protect the wellbeing of others.
