Cornell President Supports Special Prosecutor After Rape Case Probe

Cornell University President Michael Kotlikoff has finally spoken out regarding the alleged gang rape on campus that ignited such intense anger over how the college handled the situation. A lawsuit filed back in September by a female student laid bare horrific abuse she claimed to have suffered inside the Chi Phi fraternity house. She accused seven male students of raping and sexually assaulting her while she was intoxicated.

Many wondered why the district attorney's office did not launch an investigation into these claims immediately. That is why New York Governor Kathy Hochul appointed Attorney General Letitia James as a special prosecutor for the case. Now, after that probe began, President Kotlikoff released a video message online to show his support for the governor's move.

He admitted that serious questions have arisen about how the university managed this case two years ago and pledged to do better moving forward. Kotlikoff stated he welcomed an investigation into Cornell's conduct and backed the decision to bring in James. He described the days following the lawsuit as "one of the most difficult weeks" in Cornell history, noting that students felt angry, sad, and struggling throughout it all.

"What happened to Jane Doe in 2024 is deeply disturbing and will weigh heavily on our community for years to come," Kotlikoff said in his statement. A female student at Cornell University has alleged in a recent lawsuit that she was raped by multiple fraternity members in 2024 at the Chi Phi fraternity house.

"My heart aches when I think of what she experienced," he added. "It raises heartbreaking and troubling issues about sexual assault, dehumanization and aspects of party culture, alcohol and drug use." He insisted that everyone must do everything possible to stop what happened to Jane Doe from ever happening again for anyone before her or after her.

Kotlikoff promised to improve campus culture and make sure students understand consent going forward. This is a developing story...