Cornell University’s president on Saturday called the 2024 gang rape of a student at a fraternity house “deeply disturbing” and said it will weigh on the university for years to come, pledging more transparency amid growing anger over the school’s handling of the case.
In an eight-minute video message released to the Cornell community, Michael Kotlikoff described the past week as one of the most difficult in the university’s history and acknowledged troubling questions about the investigation following the accusations.
Click here to watch Cornell University President’s full video statement
“My heart aches when I think about what she went through,” Kotlikoff said. “It raises heartbreaking and disturbing questions about sexual assault, dehumanization and party culture, alcohol and drug abuse.”
Kotlikoff reiterated his commitment to supporting New York Gov. Kathy Hochul’s call for an independent review of Cornell’s handling of the case and said the school board will announce details next week.
He also expressed support for Hochul’s decision to turn over the criminal investigation to the state attorney general.
“I want to acknowledge something that might be difficult for an institution to say,” Kolikov said. “We don’t have all the answers, but we are committed to investigating and finding the answers our community deserves.”
In recent days, there has been increasing scrutiny over Cornell University’s response to allegations that the woman was sexually assaulted by multiple fraternity members in 2024. The woman, identified in court documents as Jane Doe, has sued the university and seven former students.
READ: District attorney failed to review witness statements and other evidence collected by Cornell police in alleged gang rape of student
During a student assembly hearing Thursday, where students had a chance to express concerns and discuss recommendations to improve Cornell’s response to sexual assault, several speakers called for Kolikov’s resignation.
When Hochul was asked at a press conference Friday whether she believed Kotlikoff should resign over the university’s handling of the case, she declined to take a position, saying she did not yet have enough information.
Kotlikoff acknowledged his frustration with Cornell’s lack of adequate communication and said it led to distrust. While citing “real legal and privacy limitations” on what information universities can disclose, he pledged to increase transparency and provide students, parents and others with greater access to university leadership. He also pledged Cornell’s support for legislative efforts to change New York’s sexual assault laws.
The case revisits a state law that makes it difficult to prosecute sexual assaults involving people who voluntarily consume alcohol or drugs, even if they are too drunk to consent.
Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten cited the law to defend his initial decision not to prosecute, saying the woman’s initial statements to police described consensual drug use and sexual activity.
What to know about investigation into Cornell gang rape allegation
Critics have long sought to close what they call the “voluntary intoxication loophole,” which distinguishes between people who are incapacitated by taking drugs without consent and those who are voluntarily intoxicated. Hochul pledged to push for changes to the law.
Kotlikoff also called for “a serious look at the role of fraternities and sororities in campus life,” and said Cornell will engage students, alumni and others to examine how to protect the benefits of Greek life while increasing accountability and transparency.
“Being part of a group never diminishes an individual’s responsibility for their own actions, the way they treat others, or to speak up when someone may be in danger,” he said.