Schumer calls for independent investigation into Cornell violence claims — The Hill

U.S. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer called for an independent and thorough investigation into claims of sexual violence against a Cornell University student during a fraternity party in 2024. He described the allegations as horrific and said both the circumstances of the alleged incident and the way the case was handled after the complainant came forward should be examined, The Hill reports.

Schumer's statement

Schumer said it is necessary to establish all the facts, analyze possible mistakes, and ensure accountability if violations are found. According to him, the complainant had the courage to report what happened and should not have had to fight the system to make it respond.

The senator also noted that sexual violence remains a widespread problem at American colleges and universities. He linked this to a culture of silence and complicity that, in his view, must be overcome.

Case review

The lawsuit was filed by a former Cornell University student identified in court documents as Jane Doe. She alleges that she was drugged with ketamine at a party and that seven members of the Chi Phi fraternity then subjected her to sexual violence over several hours.

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A screenshot from Snapchat was attached to the lawsuit, showing a man writing a sexual message in a group chat. Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten said his office would review the case again after prosecutors had previously decided not to bring criminal charges against any of the seven people named by the plaintiff.

Van Houten said the details in the new lawsuit differ significantly from the statement the woman made three weeks after the alleged incident in 2024. New York Governor Kathy Hochul supported a renewed review of the case and called for an independent examination of the university's response to the allegations.

Cornell University investigated the incident in 2024. According to the university, sanctions were imposed on students, and the Chi Phi fraternity was banned from operating on campus. A lawyer for one of the seven people said his client did not take part in any violence.