Cornell University Agrees to Independent Investigation Into 2024 Rape Allegations

• by Shimanta Das
• October 4, 2026

Cornell University has agreed to hire outside counsel to conduct an independent investigation into its handling of a 2024 alleged gang rape case, following calls from New York Governor Kathy Hochul. In a social media post, Hochul said she called for the investigation and the university’s president agreed. The move comes after Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten accused Cornell police of withholding key information that could have affected his decision to pursue criminal charges.

Van Houten contended that Cornell police omitted a transcript of the woman’s interview in which she explicitly said she was “100% confident” she was raped. He also said his office never received a Snapchat image that he described as a “critical piece of evidence.” Van Houten supports the independent investigation but maintains that New York law did not allow him to prosecute based solely on the woman’s allegations that she was too incapacitated to consent. Hochul said she supported Van Houten’s decision to reopen the investigation but emphasized that broader questions remain about Cornell’s reporting, response, and prevention systems, as well as its campus culture.

The case has also drawn attention to Cornell’s disciplinary process. According to a USA Today report, an accused student or employee was found at fault in 51 cases, and “most of those found responsible received minor sanctions that allowed them to remain on campus, such as probation or training.” The Chi Phi chapter remains barred from campus. The independent investigation is expected to examine how the university handled the allegations and whether its procedures adequately protect students.