Cornell president says university 'must do better' on handling of sexual assault allegations

What happened: Cornell President Michael Kotlikoff said the university "must do better" in its response to sexual assault allegations involving seven former fraternity brothers, after a lawsuit by a student identified as Jane Doe. Key numbers: Doe was 20 at the time of the alleged October 2024 incident. Why it matters: Kotlikoff welcomed an independent review by an outside law firm and said Cornell supports Gov. Kathy Hochul's decision to turn the criminal investigation over to New York Attorney General Letitia James, who said her office is conducting an active criminal investigation.

Cornell President Michael Kotlikoff said the university "must do better" in its response to sexual assault allegations involving seven former fraternity brothers, after a lawsuit by a student identified as Jane Doe.

Kotlikoff welcomed an independent review by an outside law firm and said Cornell supports Gov. Kathy Hochul's decision to turn the criminal investigation over to New York Attorney General Letitia James, who said her office is conducting an active criminal investigation.