Prosecutors have reopened a criminal investigation into the alleged gang rape at Cornell University’s Chi Phi fraternity house in 2024, following a lawsuit filed by a former student earlier this month.
Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten confirmed that his office will present the case to a grand jury, which will decide whether to bring criminal charges against seven current and former fraternity members.
The fresh review comes after the woman alleged in her civil complaint that she was drugged, sexually assaulted, and raped by multiple fraternity members on October 19, 2024. The lawsuit also names Cornell University and others, accusing them of failing to protect students and mishandling the case.
The reopening of the investigation has reignited debate over campus safety, fraternity culture, and accountability in higher education. Advocates argue that the case highlights systemic issues in how universities respond to sexual assault allegations, while Cornell and the accused fraternity members dispute key claims.
The outcome of the grand jury proceedings could set a precedent for how institutions and fraternity organizations are held responsible in cases of alleged sexual violence.
