Students sued Cornell in 2023 over sexual assault response, report says

Lawsuit details allegations

The two women, whose identities have not been disclosed, filed their lawsuit in Tompkins County Supreme Court. They allege a male student assaulted them in 2018 and 2021, and say Cornell did not take their complaints seriously.

The plaintiffs also accuse the university of failing to report the allegations to law enforcement. Their complaint says other women may have been abused but have not come forward. Both women had filed complaints with Cornell’s Title IX office.

Cornell’s motion to dismiss was denied, and the case is scheduled to proceed to trial next year. The male student also sought dismissal and has reportedly denied the allegations.

Separate case draws scrutiny

Doe is suing the seven men and the university. The men, referred to as the “Cornell 7,” have not been criminally charged, and prosecutors reopened the case after the civil lawsuit was filed.

The Independent report says the Doe lawsuit was filed in September, but does not specify the year. Cornell’s Title IX office has faced criticism over its handling of that case.

Faculty and president respond

Cornell’s Faculty Senate voted no confidence in the school’s top leaders’ ability to manage the response to Doe’s lawsuit. The vote took place on a Friday, according to the report.

Cornell president Michael Kotlikoff addressed questions about the investigations in an eight-minute video message last month. He said he felt deep sorrow about Doe’s experience and cited concerns involving sexual assault, dehumanization, party culture, alcohol and drug use. Doe’s attorney, Thomas Giuffra, said Friday that he hoped the vote would help educate and support the Cornell community while addressing sexual assault on campus.