Cornell University’s shocking sex pamphlets handed out to students encouraging orgies and BDSM exposed
Cornell University is facing criticism over sexual education materials that encouraged students to discuss preferences and boundaries, including group sex, BDSM and sex after drinking or taking recreational drugs. The documents have drawn renewed scrutiny amid allegations that a student was sexually assaulted at the Chi Phi fraternity house in 2024, though there is no evidence linking the materials to the alleged assault.
One 2019 worksheet asked students to indicate their interest in activities involving three or more partners, open relationships and sex after consuming alcohol or drugs. Other Cornell Health guides covered BDSM, fetish equipment, sex toys and mutual touching; an archived campaign site said resident advisers were encouraged to display materials in dormitories. Cornell says the documents were intended to support conversations about sexual preferences and boundaries; the alleged assault was not prosecuted, and the Chi Phi chapter remains barred from campus.
- Cornell faces criticism over explicit sexual education materials.
- The materials covered group sex, BDSM and sex after drinking or taking drugs.
- There is no evidence they were connected to the alleged 2024 assault.
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Cornell University is facing criticism over sexual education materials that were distributed to students in dormitories by resident advisers. The materials, created by Cornell Health, covered topics including sexual boundaries and preferences, as well as group sex, BDSM, sex toys and other sexual activities. The university states the documents were intended to help students discuss their preferences and boundaries.
Amongst the materials that have attracted attention is a 2019 worksheet asking students to indicate their interest in activities including group sex, open relationships and sex after consuming alcohol or drugs. The existence and content of these materials has prompted criticism, with some questioning whether they represent appropriate sexual education for a university to provide. Cornell maintains the materials were part of its health and wellness education efforts.
The renewed scrutiny of these materials comes in connection with an allegation of sexual assault at a campus fraternity house in 2024. University officials have stated there is no evidence linking the educational materials to that alleged incident. The fraternity chapter in question has been banned from campus, and the alleged assault was not prosecuted.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The materials represent thoughtful sexual health education that acknowledges diverse sexual practices and emphasises discussing preferences and boundaries consensually. Rather than promoting risky behaviour, comprehensive education covering BDSM and group sex within consent frameworks actually supports safer practices by encouraging communication and informed decision-making, recognising that many students engage in these activities regardless of institutional silence.
The case against
Universities should prioritise campus safety above sexual exploration guidance, particularly materials encouraging discussion of sex whilst intoxicated or on drugs, which fundamentally compromises genuine consent. Rather than guides to diverse sexual practices, the university should focus resources on consent education, risk awareness, and preventing assault; such materials risk normalising risky behaviours and creating an insufficiently serious culture around sexual safety.