gs to the Tompkins County district attorney, who declined to prosecute within weeks of the woman making her first report to police.

In a lawsuit filed in September, the woman alleged that she was drugged and sexually assaulted by multiple fraternity members after attending a party at the Chi Phi house in October 2024. She said she was pressured to use drugs and that other men entered the room while she was incapacitated. She also alleges that messages describing her as sexually available to anyone at the house circulated among fraternity members on Snapchat without her knowledge.

Cornell closed the fraternity chapter and disciplined several students following an internal investigation, but no criminal charges have been filed.

New York's governor removed the district attorney from the case this month after a public outcry over the lack of charges.

The investigation is now being led by New York Attorney General Letitia James, while Cornell has hired former Deputy U.S. Attorney General Sally Yates to conduct an independent review of the university's response. New York State Police sometimes handle major crime investigations for small municipal police agencies, bringing in expertise that isn't available locally.

Speakers faulted fraternities, the university trustees and Cornell President Michael Kotlikoff, saying he and his administration have prioritized protecting the university's reputation over students' safety. News 4's Gilma Avalos with the latest.

Kotlikoff's announcement came a day before Cornell's faculty senate was to take up a proposed resolution expressing no confidence in the administration's ability to effectively address sexual assault on campus.

Kotlikoff acknowledged that sexual violence extends beyond fraternities, saying Cornell must also confront a campus culture of excessive drinking and drug use and expand education about students' responsibility to intervene when others are at risk.

Cornell also plans to add victim advocates and expand sexual violence prevention programs, including education aimed at encouraging bystanders to intervene, he said, calling the various actions announced Tuesday  first steps toward systemic change on our campus. 

 We will take all necessary steps to address the conditions that led to Jane Doe's experiences, and those of other survivors,  he said.