Cornell retains former acting attorney general to lead investigation

( NewsNation ) — Cornell University has hired former U.S. Deputy Attorney General Sally Q. Yates to lead an independent review of how the university prevents and responds to sexual harassment, sexual assault and related misconduct on campus.

The newly formed Special Committee of the Cornell University Board of Trustees announced Yates’ appointment Tuesday. The former federal prosecutor, now a partner at law firm King & Spalding LLP, will lead a comprehensive review of Cornell’s policies, practices and resources related to sexual misconduct.

The review will include a detailed examination of the gang rape allegations at the Chi Phi fraternity house in October 2024.

The investigation will go beyond the 2024 allegations and examine the university’s overall approach to preventing and responding to claims and Cornell’s practices under Title IX, the Clery Act, the Campus SaVE Act and New York state law, as well as recognized higher education best practices.

Yates and King & Spalding will have full independence in conducting the review and will report their findings and recommendations directly to the Special Committee.

Cornell said the investigative team will have access to relevant policies, records, case files, personnel and university leadership, consistent with applicable law and privacy requirements.

“It is imperative that Cornell be willing to examine itself with the same rigor we expect of others,” Special Committee Chair Anne Meinig Smalling said.

“We want to understand not just what happened in 2024, but how Cornell can become a leader in preventing sexual violence, supporting those who come forward and responding to allegations rigorously, fairly and compassionately,” she added.

Yates is a former acting U.S. attorney general and deputy attorney general and a longtime federal prosecutor.

She is now a partner in King & Spalding’s Special Matters and Investigations practice, where she has conducted independent investigations for boards and institutions.

Yates previously led U.S. Soccer’s independent investigation into allegations of abusive behavior and sexual misconduct in women’s professional soccer.

The Special Committee has asked Yates and her team to conduct the review as expeditiously and thoroughly as possible.

Cornell’s Board of Trustees said it intends to share the findings and recommendations with the university community.