Cornell fraternity members accused of sharing student’s Snapchat image during alleged assault
Cornell fraternity brothers allegedly circulated a Snapchat photograph of a 20-year-old student on the night she claims she was raped by multiple men at a Chi Phi fraternity house in October 2024. The woman, identified as Jane Doe, told university investigators that she was sexually assaulted in a closet whilst repeatedly losing consciousness. The allegation has sparked a civil lawsuit against seven men, disciplinary action by the university and a criminal investigation now being handled by New York's Attorney General, highlighting serious questions about sexual assault and accountability on campus.
The woman described feeling "cornered" and like "a sex doll" as multiple men came and went, then was ushered into a closet where the assault allegedly occurred. Concurrently, members of the fraternity allegedly communicated about her in a Snapchat group, with one member reportedly posting that there was "free" access and another asking "Shop still open?" after her photograph was shared. Cornell University's Title IX investigation resulted in the expulsion of two students and suspension of two others, whilst three of the seven men sued have publicly denied the allegations, with one claiming he made only an "immature" comment and briefly entered the room but did not touch the woman.
- Fraternity members allegedly shared photo and offensive messages about student during suspected assault.
- Woman claims she was raped by multiple men whilst losing consciousness in a closet.
- Cornell expelled two students; civil lawsuit filed against seven men; no criminal charges yet.
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The case centres on allegations that a 20-year-old Cornell University student was sexually assaulted by multiple men at a Chi Phi fraternity house in October 2024. The incident has prompted a civil lawsuit against seven men, university disciplinary proceedings and a criminal investigation by New York's Attorney General.
According to the student's account to investigators, she lost consciousness during the assault and was taken into a closet where the assault allegedly continued. Whilst this occurred, members of the fraternity allegedly circulated her photograph on Snapchat and posted crude messages about sexual access to her.
Cornell University has expelled two students and suspended two others following its investigation. The case raises questions about accountability for sexual assault and misconduct within university fraternities.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The allegations describe deeply serious conduct—sexual assault by multiple perpetrators, non-consensual image sharing, and evidence of coordination through messaging. The victim's account of losing consciousness whilst being assaulted by successive men is particularly grave. University discipline is justified: the Title IX investigation gathered substantial evidence, and institutions have a duty to protect their community from accused perpetrators whilst criminal processes unfold. Delaying disciplinary action for years whilst alleged assailants remain on campus is untenable.
The case against
Regardless of seriousness, individuals must be presumed innocent and deserve due process. University expulsion is an irreversible sanction that should not precede criminal conviction, as it deprives defendants of formal legal protections and rights to full cross-examination of evidence. The Title IX investigation, whilst important, lacks criminal procedure's rigorous safeguards. Some accused have disputed allegations. University discipline and criminal prosecution should proceed separately; rushing to expulsion risks unjust punishment of the innocent and undermines respect for fundamental fairness.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Cornell fraternity brothers accused of sharing Snapchat photo of alleged rape victim on night of suspected attack, as she claims she was attacked in a closet”.