Cornell building is vandalized amid anger over rape complaint

Cornell University's main administration building was marked with graffiti and a glass door was damaged overnight as anger grew over the school's handling of an alleged 2024 fraternity-house gang rape, The Korea Times reported, citing The Associated Press.

The case has drawn scrutiny of Cornell's response to sexual assault complaints, with student groups planning a Monday demonstration and New York Gov. Kathy Hochul assigning the state attorney general to oversee the criminal investigation.

Graffiti was painted near a glass door at Cornell's administration building, and holes were knocked into the door, according to The Korea Times, citing The Associated Press. The messages criticized patriarchy and the university's handling of sexual assault cases.

Cornell spokesperson Kyle Kimball said the university understood the "frustration and strong emotions" surrounding the case but said "damaging property is not the answer," according to The Korea Times.

Student organizations planned a late-afternoon "Justice for Survivors" demonstration Monday to demand changes to Cornell's sexual assault complaint process and more accountability, The Korea Times reported.

The backlash followed a lawsuit by Jane Doe, a former Cornell student identified in court documents, against Cornell, seven former students, the Chi Phi fraternity and others. She alleges she was assaulted after an October 2024 Chi Phi fraternity party and later told campus police she "can say with 100% confidence I was raped."

No criminal charges have been filed, according to The Korea Times. Cornell has said the Chi Phi chapter was closed, some students were expelled and others were suspended, while the administration rejected what it called a "false narrative that there were minimal consequences in this case."

Hochul said Jane Doe was "failed by people and institutions" and appointed the state attorney general to take over the criminal investigation after local District Attorney Matthew Van Houten reopened it. Cornell President Michael Kotlikoff said the case "raises heartbreaking and troubling issues about sexual assault, dehumanization and aspects of party culture, alcohol and drug use" and backed an independent review aimed at "finding the answers our community deserves."

Kotlikoff said the independent review should focus on "finding the answers our community deserves" as Cornell faces pressure from students, state officials and the lawsuit.