Ithaca Council Imposes Moratorium on Cornell Events Amid Calls for Police Involvement in Sexual Violence Cases

POLICY WIRE — Ithaca, United States — The Ithaca Common Council approved a temporary halt to special event permits for Cornell University and its affiliated organizations, while urging the university to transfer investigations into violent sex crimes to local law enforcement.

The measure, which takes effect immediately, prohibits new permits for assemblies, parades, and noise-related events for Cornell, its sororities, fraternities, student groups, and other affiliated entities. It is set to expire on November 5 and can be renewed monthly by the council.

The decision follows concerns raised by Mayor Robert Cantelmo about public safety, with the city demanding that Cornell take stronger steps to address and prevent sexual violence. This comes after a civil lawsuit was filed by a former student who alleged she was drugged and assaulted by seven fraternity members at Chi Phi in October 2024.

Cornell’s Title IX office reported that two individuals were expelled, two were suspended, one had already graduated, and two were cleared of misconduct. A state attorney general has been appointed to review the case as public outrage grows over the handling of the incident.

Student protests have intensified on campus, with over 1,000 participants rallying last week and more than 100 students staging a seven-hour sit-in this week. A 2025 survey found that over one-third of undergraduate women experienced nonconsensual contact involving force or incapacitation, with many incidents occurring in campus housing and Greek life settings.

Some students, like Cecily Cox, argue the moratorium is too broad and risks punishing those not involved in the allegations. Others, such as Sam Poole, see it as a necessary pressure tactic to push Cornell toward structural reform.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)