Hochul calls Cornell case ‘horrifying,’ calls for separate review of university response

( NewsNation ) — New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) condemned the alleged assault of a Cornell University student during a 2024 fraternity party.

“The allegations in this case are nothing short of horrifying,” Hochul said. “For any student to come forward after an experience like this takes extraordinary courage”

She added, “No student should ever be left wondering whether the institutions meant to protect them will listen and act.”

Prosecutors have reopened the case after the student, identified only as Jane Doe, filed a lawsuit against seven then-fraternity members and the university.

The student said members of the Chi Phi fraternity pressured her into taking ketamine and assaulted her for hours, according to the new lawsuit.

Cornell investigated the incident but none of the accused face criminal charges. The university noted students were sanctioned, according to reporting from PBS , and the Chi Phi fraternity was banned from campus.

Hochul said she supports the decision to reopen the criminal investigation.

“But there are also serious questions about Cornell’s campus culture and its systems for prevention, reporting and response,” the governor said. “That is why I am calling for outside counsel to conduct a transparent, independent review of the university’s response to determine whether Cornell met every obligation to protect its students and pursue justice.”

District Attorney Matthew Van Houten said the original statement provided to his office by Cornell University Police did not include allegations that Jane Doe was drugged without her knowledge, was incapacitated or did not consent to sexual activity.

He added the decision to reopen the case was made after new information came to light.

An attorney for one of the seven accused said his client never took part in any assault.