Cornell president acknowledges he knew about fraternity sexual assault but didn’t follow up

Cornell University President Michael Kotlikoff has acknowledged he knew a student reported a sexual assault in November 2024 but did not follow up with her directly. He also stated he was unaware she had dropped out until she filed a lawsuit last month. The lawsuit accuses seven members of the Chi Phi fraternity of assault at a party. While the accused deny wrongdoing and no criminal charges have been filed, Cornell's internal investigation resulted in expulsions and suspensions for some students. The district attorney has reopened the investigation, and the New York governor appointed the state's attorney general as special prosecutor. In response to the allegations and mounting scrutiny, Cornell has suspended fraternity parties for the academic year and is enhancing its sexual assault investigation resources.

The Cornell University chapter of Chi Phi fraternity was closed in 2024 following allegations of gang rape. A civil lawsuit filed by "Jane Doe" accuses the fraternity and seven members of gang raping her during a 2024 party, with the sorority and Cornell University also named as co-defendants. The lawsuit claims fraternities perpetuate sexual assault and abuse despite being promoted as pathways to success. Experts suggest that while fraternities offer community, some use hazing and coercion to build loyalty. Historically, fraternities have evolved from emphasizing intellect to valuing athleticism, sexual success, and recklessness, with loyalty to the brotherhood often leading to the concealment of rule-breaking or illegal activities.

Cornell University has suspended all fraternity parties and social events for the remainder of the academic year. This decision follows an alleged gang rape incident at a campus fraternity, Chi Phi, which was detailed in a lawsuit filed last month. The lawsuit claims the accuser was pressured to take ketamine and subsequently assaulted and raped by seven fraternity members. The university's action comes amid accusations that it has not adequately addressed the incident or punished those involved. The suspension impacts fraternities at the New York-based Ivy League institution.

Cornell University has banned all fraternity parties for the remainder of the academic year in response to backlash over its handling of an alleged sexual assault. The decision follows a lawsuit filed by a woman, identified as Jane Doe, who claims she was drugged and raped by multiple men at a fraternity house party in 2024. Cornell's president, Michael Kotlikoff, expressed deep sorrow for the victim's suffering and acknowledged the university's shortcomings in ensuring student safety. Doe's lawsuit aims to improve Cornell's response to abuse claims. The ban addresses concerns about women's safety on campus and reflects a broader history of fraternities being associated with excessive partying and dangerous rituals.

Christa Pike, the only person to survive a lethal injection execution, is now recovering after a botched procedure in Tennessee. The execution, intended to administer a lethal dose of pentobarbital, failed when intravenous lines could not be established for over an hour, with the drug likely spilling into her tissue. This incident has intensified scrutiny on the flaws within the US capital punishment system, which has seen a resurgence in recent years, particularly under the Trump administration. Despite claims of deterrence, the US Justice Department has found no proof that the death penalty deters crime, and concerns persist about wrongful convictions and the execution of intellectually disabled individuals.

Cornell University's president, Michael Kotlikoff, has pledged a "serious look" at the role of fraternities and sororities on campus following a civil lawsuit filed by a woman alleging she was drugged and raped by members of the Chi Phi fraternity in 2024. The lawsuit, which also names the university, has sparked outrage and prompted soul-searching regarding campus culture. Kotlikoff stated the university will seek input from students and alumni to strengthen accountability and transparency within Greek life. While Cornell maintains it conducted a thorough investigation and took disciplinary measures, including barring Chi Phi from campus, Kotlikoff acknowledged the need for improvement and vowed greater transparency regarding the incident. The case has also drawn the attention of New York state officials, who have appointed a special prosecutor.

Cornell University President Michael Kotlikoff has expressed deep sorrow and pledged greater transparency following an alleged 2024 gang rape at a fraternity house. He described the situation as one of the most challenging periods in the university's history, raising concerns about sexual assault, party culture, and substance use. The alleged victim is suing Cornell and seven former students, claiming assault by members of the Chi Phi fraternity. New York Governor Kathy Hochul appointed State Attorney General Letitia James as special prosecutor after losing confidence in the local prosecutor's initial decision not to press charges. The case has also highlighted New York's "voluntary intoxication loophole" in sexual assault law.

A defense lawyer for one of seven men accused in a Cornell University gang rape case has requested that New York Attorney General Letitia James recuse herself from the investigation. The lawyer argues that public comments made by James on September 28th, expressing solidarity with survivors and calling the alleged victim's experience "horrific and unacceptable," compromise the investigation's integrity and independence. The allegations have led to protests on campus and a no-confidence vote by Cornell faculty against the university administration for its alleged mishandling of the October 2024 incident. The Faculty Senate will vote on the resolution next week, which, if passed, would be a symbolic gesture of faculty discontent.

Cornell University President Michael Kotlikoff has broken his silence regarding a 2024 rape allegation that has caused national outrage. In a video message released on Saturday, Kotlikoff stated he was "deeply disturbed" by the incident and expressed empathy for the student, saying his "heart aches" for her experience. He emphasized the university's commitment to preventing similar events from occurring again. This statement follows a civil lawsuit filed last month by lawyers representing a Jane Doe against Cornell University, its leaders, and the Chi Phi fraternity. The lawsuit details the student's alleged rape experience.

Christa Pike, 50, has regained consciousness and is able to speak nearly a week after a lethal injection execution attempt in Tennessee on September 30. Her lawyers stated she is receiving medical care after being hospitalized following the botched procedure, which involved two doses of pentobarbital. Pike is believed to be the first person in the United States to survive such an injection. Her lawyers noted she suffered severe damage to her arms but is still handcuffed and shackled. Pike was convicted in 1996 for the murder of Colleen Slemmer when she was 18.

Christa Pike has been discharged from the hospital and returned to the Deborah K Johnson rehabilitation center, where she has been imprisoned for 30 years, following a botched lethal injection execution attempt on September 30th. Her lawyers stated she is continuing to receive medical care at the prison. Pike, 50, was hospitalized after surviving the execution and was briefly declared brain dead before showing signs of recovery. The reason for the failed execution remains unexplained, though experts speculate drug delivery issues or faulty medication. Pike was convicted in 1995 for the torture and murder of 18-year-old Colleen Slemmer. Her survival has drawn renewed criticism of the death penalty, leading Tennessee's governor to pause executions for the remainder of the year.

Death row inmate Christa Pike survived a botched lethal injection execution attempt in Tennessee on September 30, 2026. Lawyers stated Pike was nearly taken off life support after being declared brain dead, but she awoke on October 1, 2026, reportedly confused and unaware of the execution. Pike, convicted in 1996 for murder, had her execution delayed after receiving two doses of pentobarbital but remaining alive. Experts speculate the drug may have pooled in her arm tissue, causing swelling and blisters. The incident has led to a halt in other executions in Tennessee and the resignation of the state's top prison official, while legal teams plan to seek commutation of Pike's sentence based on her suffering.

A judge has ordered Tennessee officials to preserve all evidence from the botched execution attempt of Christa Pike, who remains hospitalized. The order mandates saving items from the execution room, including drugs and IV lines. Pike, who regained consciousness, is suffering from pneumonia, a blood clot, and injured arms, yet remains shackled to her hospital bed despite medical staff requests to remove restraints. Her lawyers argue that preserving this evidence is crucial for future legal challenges, as the state has not guaranteed she will not face another execution attempt. Pike was convicted of murder in 1995 and has been on death row for 30 years.

US death row inmate Christa Pike experienced an "unprecedented" recovery after two lethal injection attempts failed. The BBC's Sarah Smith reported on the injuries Pike sustained during these procedures. The article details the physical consequences of the failed executions and outlines what is expected to happen next for Pike. The specific location and date of the failed executions are not provided in the article content. The reasons for the failures are also not detailed.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced that State Attorney General Letitia James will take over the investigation into an alleged gang-rape at a Cornell University fraternity in 2024. Hochul criticized Cornell police and the Tompkins County District Attorney for their handling of the case, stating the victim was "failed" by those obligated to protect her. The governor expressed concern over a perceived gap in state law regarding voluntary intoxication and consent in sexual assault cases. The victim, identified as Jane Doe, filed a civil lawsuit alleging she was drugged and raped. The district attorney had previously decided not to prosecute, citing discrepancies between the victim's initial statement and later accounts, though he stated he had not seen her detailed account. Cornell has suspended the Chi Phi fraternity and agreed to an independent investigation of its response.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has appointed Attorney General Letitia James as a special prosecutor to investigate a rape case at Cornell University. Hochul stated she lost faith in the prosecutors initially overseeing the case, leading her to transfer responsibility to James's office. The investigation stems from a civil lawsuit filed in September by a woman, identified as Jane Doe, who alleges she was drugged and raped by seven men at a fraternity house in 2024. She also claims Cornell University failed to protect her or adequately punish the accused, known as the Cornell Seven. Attorney General James confirmed her office is prepared to prosecute any offenses found and present evidence to a grand jury. Hochul and James are scheduled to provide an update on the investigation Friday.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has appointed State Attorney General Letitia James as a special prosecutor to investigate an alleged gang rape at Cornell University in October 2024. Hochul stated that newly released information undermined her confidence in the local prosecutor's handling of the case, asserting that the woman who reported the assault was failed by Cornell University Police and the Tompkins County district attorney's office. The governor signed an executive order to this effect, citing that the Tompkins County district attorney declined to prosecute the case in November 2024 without interviewing the accuser or others involved, and relied on a police statement that omitted her assertion of sexual assault. The case was initially closed without charges in 2024 but was reopened by the Tompkins County District Attorney on Monday following a civil lawsuit filed by the accuser. The appointment transfers control of the criminal investigation to the state attorney general's office.

Christa Pike is scheduled to be executed in Tennessee on September 30th, potentially becoming the first woman executed in the state in over 200 years. In 1995, Pike, then 18, along with her boyfriend, murdered 19-year-old Colleen Slemmer after an argument. Pike's defense lawyers are seeking clemency, arguing that her severe childhood abuse, neglect, and undiagnosed mental health conditions, including bipolar disorder and PTSD, were not adequately presented at trial. They contend that if tried today, Pike would not receive a death sentence due to these mitigating factors. UN human rights experts have also called for the execution to be halted. Colleen Slemmer's mother has expressed a desire for Pike's execution to bring her daughter peace.

Tennessee is scheduled to execute Christa Pike, 50, on Wednesday for the 1995 murder of classmate Colleen Slemmer in Knoxville. Pike, who was 18 at the time of the crime, and her boyfriend were convicted of luring Slemmer to a secluded area, torturing, and killing her. Prosecutors stated Pike acted out of jealousy, fearing Slemmer was a romantic rival. This would be the first execution of a woman in Tennessee in 200 years. Governor Bill Lee has denied Pike's clemency request, and her attorneys have asked the Supreme Court for a stay. Pike's legal team argues her severe childhood abuse and mental illness, including bipolar disorder and PTSD, were not adequately presented at trial. Slemmer's mother supports the execution, stating she has waited decades for justice.

Tennessee's Commissioner of the Department of Correction, Frank Strada, is resigning this month. Governor Bill Lee announced the departure on Saturday, marking a significant staff change following the recent botched execution of Christa Pike. Pike was left unconscious and on a ventilator after the execution attempt. The article states that some of Governor Lee's Republican colleagues and other elected officials had been advocating for a leadership change within the prison system. This marks the second instance since May where Tennessee has encountered issues with executions.

Tennessee's prison chief, Frank Strada, is facing scrutiny following the failed execution of Christa Pike, who survived lethal injection. Lawyers claim this marks the fifth "botched" execution under Strada's leadership across Tennessee and Arizona since 2022. Pike's execution, which involved prolonged suffering and a second failed drug dose, has drawn international condemnation and calls for a halt to U.S. executions. Governor Bill Lee has suspended executions and ordered an inquiry, though he stated the department followed protocol. Strada's tenure in Arizona also saw three executions described as prolonged and problematic by experts, with issues including difficulty finding veins and inadequate training.

The article discusses the attempted execution of Christa Pike, a 50-year-old woman in Tennessee, for a crime committed at age 18. Pike, who has a history of abuse and mental illness, was the first woman scheduled for execution in Tennessee since 1820. The execution failed when lethal drugs did not result in death, leading to the operation being called off and Pike being hospitalized. Her lawyers described the event as "chemical torture." The author contrasts the lack of international outrage with the condemnation that would likely occur if a Middle Eastern country, such as Iran, attempted a similar execution under comparable circumstances. The article also touches on broader issues of the death penalty in the US, including wrongful convictions and racial disparities.

Convicted murderer Christa Pike is critically ill and on a ventilator in a Nashville hospital following a failed execution attempt. Her attorneys had previously warned of potential complications due to her medical conditions, including thrombocytosis and small veins, which could lead to pain and suffering during a lethal injection. Lawyers allege that the execution team did not realize the IV lines were improperly placed or that veins ruptured, causing the pentobarbital to enter tissue instead of her bloodstream. An anesthesiologist advising the defense suggested this misadministration is the likely reason for her survival, as the drug level was insufficient to cause death. The defense is requesting the preservation of all related evidence.