Cornell University Engages Sally Yates for Independent Sexual Misconduct Review

Sally Yates, who served as the U.S. Deputy Attorney General from 2015 to 2017 under the Obama administration, will oversee an independent assessment at Cornell University. The focus will be on reviewing the university’s strategies in handling sexual misconduct complaints. This unfolds following an alleged rape incident at a fraternity house in 2024. Yates aims to scrutinize Cornell’s policies, practices, and resources concerning sexual harassment and assault.

Cornell’s trustees have tasked Yates to evaluate how the university handles reports of sexual misconduct, the support extended to students, disciplinary actions, and the involvement of campus police. Anne Meinig Smalling, a university trustee, emphasized Yates’s experience and judgment as crucial to undertaking this investigation. “Our responsibility extends beyond just one case,” Smalling stated. “We must review our overall preventative measures and rethink where improvements can make our community safer.”

This decision follows Cornell police receiving an anonymous tip about potential cover-ups within Chi Phi fraternity. Allegations suggest fraternity leaders advised witnesses to remain silent, fearing damage to the fraternity’s reputation. Investigators questioned witnesses and observed meetings aimed at coordinating accounts of the incident, according to ABC News records.

The inquiry announcement closely followed protests at Cornell, with demonstrators expressing frustration over the handling of the alleged rape at Chi Phi. Jane Doe reported in November 2024 that she had been sexually assaulted by fraternity members who pressured her into consuming alcohol and drugs. Messages within the fraternity indicated potential premeditated involvement, her lawsuit claims.

Public figures such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez voiced serious concerns. She condemned the normalization of such discussions within the group and advocated for no longer sheltering these spaces of misconduct.

Yates’s examination will also scrutinize Cornell’s response to the Chi Phi case and aim to establish the university as a leader in addressing sexual violence. Cornell has requested that Yates conduct her review diligently.

Additionally, Democratic New York Governor Kathy Hochul has appointed Attorney General Letitia James as a special prosecutor for the criminal investigation into the allegations. New revelations prompted this decision, leading to doubts about the previous handling of the case. Hochul expressed lost confidence in Tompkins County Attorney Matthew Van Houten, pointing to issues related to New York’s “voluntary intoxication loophole,” which initially impeded criminal charges.

Governor Hochul emphasized support for the victim, stating that every student deserves to feel safe and supported on campus. She underscored the necessity of rigorous, fair, and compassionate responses to allegations.

The developments have drawn criticism from former President Donald Trump, who denounced James’s appointment, citing concerns of bias due to her past cases against him.