‘Sadness, cynicism and deep disappointment’: the Cornell gang-rape case and the failure of #MeToo
As the university and local police defend their treatment of the alleged perpetrators, women decry a familiar story
TL;DR
- A former Cornell student alleges she was gang-raped by fraternity brothers during the university's 'red zone' period, leading to a civil lawsuit.
- The university's internal investigation resulted in two expulsions and lighter punishments for five others, with none charged criminally.
- Public pressure prompted the appointment of a special prosecutor to review the case after the local district attorney declined to prosecute.
- Critics compare the handling of the case to the failures of the #MeToo movement, citing a pattern of institutional leniency and victim-blaming.
- The case has revived discussions about abolishing Greek life and has impacted Cornell's college admissions reputation.