University bars former Cornell student amid sexual assault allegations
Jonathan Newell, a former Cornell student accused in a civil lawsuit of sexual assault and of sending a Snapchat message about the alleged incident, has been ordered to stay away from Nova Southeastern University. The university said it took safeguarding steps after learning of the allegations, which drew national attention when the lawsuit was filed last month.
Newell, 21, transferred to the Florida university earlier this year after Cornell expelled him following a 2024 incident involving seven fraternity members. The complaint alleges that a woman was given ketamine and sexually assaulted by Newell and six others at a Chi Phi fraternity house on 19 October 2024; it also attributes the message “Free p***y in alum pu” to him. Newell has not been charged with a crime, and NSU did not say whether its restrictions are temporary or permanent.
- NSU ordered former Cornell student Jonathan Newell to stay away from campus.
- A civil lawsuit accuses him and six others of sexual assault in 2024.
- Newell has not been charged with a crime.
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In October 2024, a woman alleged that she was given the drug ketamine and sexually assaulted by Jonathan Newell and six other men at Cornell University's Chi Phi fraternity house. A civil lawsuit filed several months later brought these allegations to public attention and also cited an offensive message attributed to Newell related to the incident. Newell, aged 21, has not been charged with a crime.
After the allegations emerged, Cornell University expelled Newell earlier this year. He subsequently transferred to Nova Southeastern University in Florida. The case involves a student accused of serious misconduct transferring to another university after facing discipline at his first institution.
Sexual assault allegations on campuses are a significant concern for universities and their students. Cases involving transfers between institutions raise practical questions about how universities share information about allegations and whether they coordinate on admissions for students facing serious misconduct claims elsewhere.
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The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Universities bear clear responsibility for protecting their student body from foreseeable harm. When an individual transfers following expulsion for serious allegations of sexual assault involving drugging and multiple perpetrators, preventive measures represent reasonable risk management. Institutional safeguarding need not await criminal conviction; it requires credible concern based on available evidence. NSU's restrictions appropriately prioritise current students' safety.
The case against
Institutional bans based on unproven allegations, without due process or NSU's own investigation, raise significant fairness concerns. The critical distinction between allegation and proof remains foundational to justice. Whilst Cornell's disciplinary authority is clear, preventing attendance at a separate institution based on civil allegations elsewhere extends institutional power problematically and sets a concerning precedent. Individual rights and institutional process matter alongside safety concerns.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Fresh humiliation for ‘Cornell 7’ student accused of sending Snapchat message inviting other frat brothers to join alleged gang rape… as his attempt at new life falls apart”.