Cornell Jane Doe drops case against man she misidentified as fraternity president at time alleged gang-rape took place

A Cornell student identified as Jane Doe has dropped her civil case against Orazio Petito, whom she mistakenly named as the Chi Phi chapter president when she alleged she was sexually assaulted by fraternity members in October 2024. Petito was not accused of assault; his lawyer said the case was dismissed because Petito did not hold that role at the time. The identity of the chapter president then remains unclear.

Doe has also criticised Cornell President Michael Kotlikoff’s response to her report, saying he asked why she had waited to report the alleged assault, which left her feeling disbelieved. Kotlikoff has acknowledged missteps while defending his leadership and calling for time to pursue reforms; he has also said the university should assess whether fraternities can operate safely. Doe’s lawsuit names seven Chi Phi members, and two were reportedly expelled from Cornell.