Cornell fraternity rape case will be reopened after woman said she was raped for hours by multiple students
Updated on: September 28, 2026 / 6:27 PM EDT / CBS New York
TL;DR
- The Tompkins County District Attorney's office is reopening a 2024 investigation into an alleged rape at Cornell University.
- A lawsuit filed by a woman, identified as Jane Doe, claims she was drugged and raped for hours at the Chi Phi fraternity house.
- The District Attorney initially decided not to prosecute based on Doe's sworn statement, which described voluntary drug use and consensual sexual conduct.
- The lawsuit's allegations present a different narrative, which will now be reviewed by a Grand Jury.
- Cornell University conducted a separate Title IX investigation, resulting in expulsions, suspensions, and the closure of the fraternity chapter.
- Jane Doe's attorney claims she was traumatized and unable to articulate the full extent of the assault initially.
- Chi Phi national headquarters has stated they take the allegations seriously and condemn sexual violence.