On October 15, 2024, a woman identified only as Jane Doe filed a civil suit accusing seven Chi Phi members of drug‑assaulting her at a fraternity house on Cornell’s Ithaca campus. She alleged that she was forced to ingest ketamine and alcohol, leaving her unable to consent, and that the men subsequently engaged in sexual activity for hours.
The district attorney’s office had initially declined to file criminal charges, citing the victim’s statement that she did not report being drugged or incapacitated. Matthew Van Houten told CNN, "We had all the information from her statement," and argued that the police report was insufficient to prove a lack of consent under state law.
Cornell’s own investigation expelled two students and barred the Chi Phi chapter, but the university said the closure of the chapter was not a criminal remedy. A university spokesperson explained, "Our disciplinary process is separate from criminal law, and we have taken steps to prevent future incidents."
The decision to reopen the case has intensified campus protests, with students demanding harsher penalties and a review of campus safety protocols. A freshman from a low‑income family said, "We need real protection, not just words," as she joined a march outside the administration building.
The prosecutor will review the reopened evidence before deciding whether to file charges. The outcome will be announced after a preliminary hearing scheduled for the coming weeks.