Cornell University is facing renewed scrutiny over sexual assault allegations following a new rape report filed on 23 September and a civil lawsuit filed earlier this month by a former student. The new allegation, reported to university police, allegedly occurred on 19 September in a campus residence hall, with the accused individual claiming the encounter was consensual. These incidents come amid mounting pressure on the institution to address serious allegations against fraternity members and the handling of such cases.

The civil lawsuit centres on an alleged incident in October 2024, when a former student (referred to as Jane Doe) claims she was drugged with ketamine and alcohol before being gang-raped by seven Chi Phi fraternity members at their house. The lawsuit alleges she was incapacitated and assaulted repeatedly, with one fraternity member allegedly messaging the group chat to inform others of "free pussy" upstairs. Although Cornell pursued disciplinary action resulting in suspensions and expulsions, no criminal charges were initially brought after prosecutors concluded Doe's statement described the activity as voluntary and consensual. However, the district attorney's office has since reopened the criminal investigation following public outcry and assigned a sex-crimes prosecutor to prepare the case for grand jury presentation.