Cornell University will prohibit fraternity parties and social events through the end of the academic year as it faces growing pressure over its response to allegations that seven men sexually assaulted a former student at a party in 2024.
The announcement by university President Michael Kotlikoff on Tuesday follows weeks of student protests and criticism from faculty and alumni. The ban covers houses affiliated with Cornell’s Interfraternity Council, which lists 34 fraternity houses.
"These measures will provide time for a thorough review of fraternity life at Cornell to determine whether and how it can safely continue," Kotlikoff said.
The controversy intensified after former undergraduate Jane Doe filed a lawsuit in September against seven fraternity members, the university and others. The lawsuit alleges that the men sexually assaulted her. None of the men named in the case has been criminally charged.
The investigation has since been reopened, with New York Governor Kathy Hochul appointing state Attorney General Letitia James as an independent special prosecutor, citing the earlier failure to protect the alleged victim.
U.S. President Donald Trump, meanwhile, renewed his call for James to be removed from the case.
"The Governor should take James off this case, immediately," Trump posted on Truth Social on Tuesday.
Kotlikoff said university officials had spent recent weeks hearing concerns from members of the Cornell community over the allegations and campus safety.
"I have spent the past weeks listening to students, faculty, staff, parents, alumni, and trustees, who have shared their feelings of deep connection and sympathy with Jane Doe, anger and frustration that this could happen at Cornell," he said.
"Women on our campus continue to question whether they are safe," Kotlikoff added.
As part of its response, Cornell plans to hire more staff to assist survivors of sexual assault, work with New York State Police on investigations and fast-track recommendations from a university task force on sexual violence.
The concerns come amid findings from a 2025 university survey showing that 35% of undergraduate women reported experiencing non-consensual sexual contact involving force or incapacitation since entering Cornell.
"We must meet this moment by acknowledging where we have fallen short and taking meaningful action," Kotlikoff said.
