Cornell students protest university’s handling of alleged fraternity sexual assault

Hundreds of Cornell University students gathered Monday to protest the school's handling of an alleged sexual assault involving several fraternity members in 2024.

(CNN)- Hundreds of Cornell University students gathered Monday to protest the school’s handling of an alleged sexual assault involving several fraternity members in 2024.

The demonstration in Ithaca, New York, showed solidarity with sexual assault survivors and called for additional action from the university.

“We stand with Jane Doe, but also we stand with taking more measures to prevent this from happening in the future,” student Emma McDermott said.

Tensions on campus have escalated, with an administration building vandalized and a message spray-painted on the building.

“Ultimately, trust is broken at Cornell,” said Sabrina Karim, an associate professor in Cornell’s Department of Government.

The former student, identified as “Jane Doe,” filed a civil lawsuit last month against Cornell and seven fraternity members accused in connection with the alleged assault.

The men named in the lawsuit have denied wrongdoing.

Cornell faculty members are also taking action. The university’s Faculty Senate is preparing for a no-confidence vote against the school’s administration.

The local district attorney reopened the investigation after the civil lawsuit was filed.

Last week, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul expressed disapproval with the district attorney’s handling of the investigation and appointed the state’s attorney general as a special prosecutor.

“When someone comes forward with a story like Jane Doe did, it should be taken with the seriousness that it’s being taken with now,” student Evie Albrecht said.