Cornell 7 accused was punished with essay asking him for ideas on how to prevent drug abuse, as another man accused by Jane Doe hires Diddy’s A-list lawyer
A Cornell student accused in a lawsuit of sexually assaulting a fellow student was assigned an essay on preventing substance use in Greek life, according to a report citing the prompt. The case has drawn scrutiny over the university’s disciplinary response, while a second defendant has hired lawyers who represented Sean “Diddy” Combs.
Scott Kretzschmar was one of seven Chi Phi members named in Jane Doe’s lawsuit, which alleges he and the others used ketamine on her; he denies wrongdoing, and no criminal charges have been filed. A school-appointed panel found him responsible for attempted sexual exploitation in May 2025 and required educational modules, a reflection paper and no contact with Jane Doe. The prompt asked him to develop recommendations and educational materials to prevent substance use in Greek life. Defendant Winston Lee’s new lawyers have asked a court to remove New York Attorney General Letitia James from the criminal investigation, alleging bias.
In short
- Cornell assigned an accused student an essay on preventing substance use.
- A university panel found him responsible for attempted sexual exploitation.
- Another defendant hired lawyers who represented Sean Combs.
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The case for
An educational essay on preventing substance use in Greek life could be defended as a proportionate, constructive sanction that asks a student found responsible under the university process to reflect on risks and help prevent future harm. Supporters might also argue that universities should have scope to use tailored educational measures alongside restrictions such as no contact, rather than relying only on punitive penalties.
The case against
Critics could argue that assigning a student found responsible for attempted sexual exploitation to write prevention materials risks seeming inadequate to the seriousness of the finding and may place too much emphasis on his ideas rather than accountability or the complainant’s experience. They may also question whether this response gives the university community confidence that misconduct is addressed consistently and effectively.
Explained simply
Cornell University is a private university in New York state, where fraternities and sororities are known as Greek life. Chi Phi is a fraternity; Kretzschmar and six other members were named in a lawsuit brought by a student identified as Jane Doe, who alleges they used ketamine on her and sexually assaulted her. Kretzschmar denies wrongdoing, and no criminal charges have been filed against him.
The university’s disciplinary process is separate from any criminal case. A school-appointed panel found Kretzschmar responsible for attempted sexual exploitation and assigned educational work, including a reflection paper and an essay proposing ways to prevent substance use in Greek life. Winston Lee, another defendant, has hired lawyers who represented Sean “Diddy” Combs and is challenging the state attorney general’s role in the investigation.