Cornell police pressed fraternity members on how they knew alleged sex was 'consensual'

A former Cornell University student says she was raped at a fraternity house in 2024. Two inquiries are now underway: one will assess whether criminal charges are warranted, while the other reviews the university’s response.

Video from one investigation shows Chi Phi members who were reportedly at the house, but not involved in the sexual encounters, telling Cornell police they had heard the activity was consensual.

One member described a rumor that the encounters were consensual. An investigator challenged how the fraternity members could know that and asked the speaker to explain what he had heard.

The officer also questioned the member about not being able to name which fraternity brothers were present, noting that his connection to the fraternity could affect how the situation appeared.

The criminal inquiry and the review of the university’s handling of the case remain underway. The article does not report a decision on charges or the outcome of the review.