Special prosecutor appointed in Cornell rape case
Updated . First published at
New York’s most powerful lawyer has been appointed as a special prosecutor in a notorious rape case at one of America’s most prestigious universities.
Warning: This story contains details and content that some readers may find distressing.
Cornell University is under fire for its handling of an alleged gang rape case. AP Photo/Matt Rourke
Governor Kathy Hochul announced she had appointed Attorney-General Letitia James to head the case as she criticised the local district attorney (DA).
"New information has raised serious questions about how this case was handled, and I’ve lost faith in the Tompkins County DA’s ability to fairly oversee it," Hochul said in a statement.
“The young woman at the centre of this case deserves to know that every fact will be examined and justice pursued.”
James will investigate the alleged sexual assault and prosecute any offences "if warranted".
An unidentified student, named as Jane Doe, alleged in a lawsuit that she was plied with alcohol and drugs before being raped by several men at a Cornell University fraternity house in upstate New York.
The incident took place over seven hours on October 19, 2024.
She reported the alleged rape to the Cornell University Police Department weeks later.
"I don’t remember the very end of the event where I was raped," she told police.
“I can say with 100 per cent confidence I was raped.”
People gather for a public hearing on sexual assault on campus at Cornell University in Ithaca. AP Photo/Matt Rourke
It was later revealed a six-page report then given by police to the local district attorney did not mention the 20-year-old's rape claims.
The DA said he would reopen the criminal case after the lawsuit was filed.
Jane Doe has sued the university, the fraternity and seven of its members, as well as her sorority.
Cornell conducted a lengthy investigation of the incident, in which the seven students gave contradictory statements.
A series of Snapchat messages sent in the fraternity's group chat has drawn particular scrutiny.
“Free p---- upstairs,” one student allegedly wrote.
Later, a fraternity member replied: "Shop still open?"
Another replied: "Yea".
The university's response has drawn particular outrage globally.
New York Attorney General Letitia James has been appointed special prosecutor in the Cornell case. AP
While two of the students were expelled, the remaining five were punished with suspensions.
They were then allowed to mitigate their punishments by writing essays.
But the university has denied claims the essays were the sole punishment.
"None of the individuals charged were offered the opportunity to write essays as a sole consequence of their involvement," a university spokesperson said.
"A continuation of the false narrative that there were minimal consequences in this case is irresponsible, will make survivors feel less safe and supported, and will perpetuate the underreporting of sexual assault."
When asked about the case on Thursday, Donald Trump spoke in the university’s defence.
"I don't know that much about it," Trump said.
"But Cornell's a fine school, and I'm sure they'll do what's right."
Lawyers for two of the students have released statements denying any wrongdoing.
Cornell is part of the prestigious group of eight US colleges known as the Ivy League.
Support is available from the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).
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