Cornell bans fraternity parties for year, adds NY State Police to campus assault investigations

Cornell University announced Tuesday that it will suspend all parties and social events at its Interfraternity Council houses for the remainder of the 2026‑27 academic year. The university also said the New York State Police will take a role in investigating sexual‑assault allegations on campus.

President Michael Kotlikoff wrote to the campus community that the steps are meant to give the school time to review fraternity life and determine how it can continue safely. He also pledged to develop “safe social alternatives” and to invest money in those initiatives.

New policies and oversight

The university is instituting a “zero tolerance” policy that would trigger an immediate emergency suspension of any fraternity chapter that violates the rules. A case manager will be added to Cornell’s Office of Civil Rights to help survivors navigate reporting and investigative processes.

In addition, Cornell will work with the New York State Police, whose investigators are independent of the university, to handle sexual‑misconduct allegations. This is a shift from the usual practice where Cornell’s own campus police, which have full law‑enforcement powers, conduct investigations.

Background of the 2024 assault case

The policy changes follow a lawsuit filed in September by a woman who says she was drugged and sexually assaulted by multiple fraternity members at the Chi Phi house in October 2024. She alleges that she was pressured to use drugs, was incapacitated, and that messages describing her as “sexually available” were shared on Snapchat without her knowledge.

Cornell closed the Chi Phi chapter and disciplined several students after an internal investigation, but no criminal charges were filed. The Tompkins County district attorney declined to prosecute, and New York’s governor removed the district attorney from the case. The investigation is now led by Attorney General Letitia James, and former Deputy U.S. Attorney General Sally Yates has been hired to conduct an independent review of Cornell’s response.

What this means for students and staff

Students who are members of fraternities or who attend Greek‑life events will no longer have official parties on campus for the next academic year. Those who experience sexual misconduct can now contact the added case manager in the Office of Civil Rights for assistance.

Because the New York State Police will handle investigations, reports will be examined by investigators who are not employed by Cornell, potentially offering a more independent review.

When to seek legal help

Anyone who believes they have been a victim of sexual assault or who faces disciplinary action under the new zero‑tolerance policy may want to consult an attorney to understand their rights and options.

This article is general information based on Courthouse News Service and court or agency records available at publication time. It is not legal advice; laws and deadlines differ by state and by case. Published October 14, 2026.