Cornell president calls alleged gang rape 'deeply disturbing'

Cornell University's president has called the alleged gang rape of a student at a fraternity house in 2024 "deeply disturbing".

In an eight-minute video message to the Cornell community, Michael Kotlikoff described the past week as one of the most difficult in the university's history.

He also acknowledged troubling questions about the investigations that followed the allegations.

Mr Kotlikoff said the university didn't yet have all the answers, but that the alleged incident raised "troubling issues about sexual assault, dehumanisation and aspects of party culture, alcohol and drug use."

He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting an independent review of Cornell's handling of the case called for by New York's Governor Kathy Hochul and said the school's Board of Trustees would announce details next week.

"My heart aches when I think of what she experienced," he added.

Scrutiny has mounted in recent days over Cornell's response to allegations that the woman was sexually assaulted by multiple fraternity members in 2024.

She alleges in her lawsuit that she was "plied with alcohol and drugs to the point of intoxication" by Chi Phi fraternity members, leaving her unable to consent before she was sexually assaulted.

The woman, identified in court documents as Jane Doe, has sued the university and seven former students.

During a student assembly hearing on Thursday that gave students an opportunity to voice concerns and discuss proposals to improve Cornell's response to sexual assault, several speakers called for the president's resignation.

The university said it would examine the role of fraternities and sororities on campus following the outcry.

Mr Kotlikoff acknowledged frustration that Cornell had not communicated enough, saying that that had led to distrust.

While citing "real legal and privacy limits" on what the university can disclose, he pledged greater transparency and more opportunities for students, parents and others to engage with university leaders.

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He also committed Cornell's support to legislative efforts to change New York's sexual assault laws, which makes it difficult to prosecute sexual assaults involving people who voluntarily consume alcohol or drugs - even if they became too intoxicated to consent.

Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten cited the law in defending his initial decision not to pursue charges, saying the woman's original statement to police described voluntary drug use and sexual activity.

The case has drawn national and international attention. Celebrities, including British actress Florence Pugh and US Democratic congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, have spoken out about it.

(c) Sky News 2026: Cornell president calls alleged gang rape 'deeply disturbing'