Cornell suspends fraternity parties, strengthens sexual assault investigations

Cornell University has suspended fraternity parties and social events for the remainder of the 2026–27 academic year, following public backlash over its handling of a sexual allegation involving a fraternity house, New York Times reported. President Michael Kotlikoff announced the measures on Tuesday, alongside plans to involve New York State Police in investigating campus sexual assault reports.

The decision follows allegations by a former student who accused seven men associated with the Chi Phi fraternity of sexually assaulting her in 2024. The woman, identified as Jane Doe, filed a civil lawsuit against the men in September. Cornell also introduced a “zero tolerance” policy under which any fraternity violating the ban would face immediate emergency suspension.

“These measures will provide time for a thorough review of fraternity life at Cornell to determine whether and how it can safely continue,” Kotlikoff said in a letter to the campus community. The university’s response comes amid growing scrutiny and demands for greater accountability.