Cornell University Faces Backlash Over Housing Student Disciplined in Sexual Assault Case

POLICY WIRE — Ithaca, N.Y. — Cornell University is under intense scrutiny after it was revealed that a student disciplined for his role in a 2024 fraternity gang rape was permitted to return to campus and placed in a co-ed dormitory. The student, one of seven individuals sanctioned following a Title IX investigation into the incident at the Chi Phi fraternity house, was assigned a roommate who was reportedly unaware of his disciplinary history.

Psychology professor Corinna Loeckenhoff brought the matter to light during an October 14 Faculty Senate meeting, noting that the university allowed the student to remain in the shared room for two weeks after a lawsuit was filed in September publicly identifying him as an accused party. Loeckenhoff characterized the housing assignment as a significant security risk, stating that the roommate only requested a transfer after discovering the student’s background.

Cornell President Michael Kotlikoff, who is currently facing a potential no-confidence vote from faculty, stated that the decision regarding the student’s return was made by a disciplinary panel rather than his office. The university has since pledged to conduct a review to determine if appropriate accommodations were provided and how the housing placement was handled.

The legal proceedings stem from a lawsuit filed by a woman identified as Jane Doe, who alleges she was drugged with ketamine and raped at the fraternity house in 2024. While the local district attorney initially declined to pursue charges, the investigation has been reopened and transferred to the New York attorney general. The accused student’s attorney, Andrew Miltenberg, maintains that the encounter was consensual.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)