US State Prosecutor Reopens Cornell Gang-Rape Probe in New York
A New York prosecutor reopened a gang rape investigation on Monday. The case involves Cornell University in Ithaca, New York.
District Attorney Matthew Van Houten acted after a lawsuit. The woman filed the lawsuit in September.
It accuses Cornell of failing to protect her. It also says Cornell did not punish those responsible.
The lawsuit claims seven Chi Phi fraternity members assaulted her in 2024. She was allegedly given alcohol and drugs including ketamine.
Van Houten said her lawsuit account differs from her 2024 police statement. Prosecutors did not file charges after that first statement.
Van Houten now plans to present the case to a grand jury. No charges have been filed yet.
Cornell says it supports the grand jury review. Cornell already closed the Chi Phi fraternity.
Cornell also expelled several students. The lawsuit also criticizes Cornell's handling of the incident.
Key Terms 4
- District Attorney A local prosecutor who decides on criminal charges.
- grand jury Citizens who decide if there is enough evidence to charge someone.
- Chi Phi A fraternity, a social club for male college students.
- ketamine A drug sometimes misused to make people unable to resist.