Business

Cornell faces a Greek life reckoning

By Sohail Khan 4 October 2026, 7:33 am

Benchmarks
Nifty22,421.95-198.5

FEATURED FUNDS★★★★★

Motilal Oswal Midcap Fund Direct-Growth

5Y Return
19.6 %

Invest Now

Enter search text:

Business News›News›International›World News›Cornell’s Greek life faces scrutiny after rape case sparks campus soul-searching

Read Today's Paper

Cornell’s Greek life faces scrutiny after rape case sparks campus soul-searching
Synopsis

Cornell University is conducting a review of the role of fraternities and sororities on campus. This review follows an outcry regarding the handling of a student's rape allegations against fraternity members. President Michael Kotlikoff emphasized the need for increased accountability, transparency, and safety measures within Greek life organizations. The university has already taken disciplinary action against the accused fraternity members and is committed to improving its response to such incidents.

Cornell University President Michael Kotlikoff speaks out — Cornell University is conducting a review of the role of fraternities and sororities on campus.

Cornell University will examine the role of fraternities and sororities on campus following an outcry over the school's handling of a student's rape allegations, the Ivy League school's president said on Saturday.

A civil lawsuit filed last month by the woman, who alleges she was drugged and raped in 2024 by several members of the Chi Phi fraternity, has sparked outrage and soul-searching at Cornell over its campus culture at the school in Ithaca, New York.

Also Read: What happened at Cornell University? The allegations, conflicting accounts and probe now underway

In a video message, Cornell University President Michael Kotlikoff said the school would take steps to prevent a similar situation in the future. That includes "a serious look at the role of fraternities and sororities in campus life," Kotlikoff said.

"At their best, these organizations can provide students with friendship, belonging, mentorship and a powerful sense of community," he said. "But being part of a group can never diminish individual responsibility."

The university will seek input, he said, from students, alumni and others on how to "preserve what is valuable about Greek life while strengthening individual accountability, transparency and a culture in which every member understands their responsibility to protect the safety and well-being of others."

The lawsuit against Cornell, seven fraternity members and others, alleges that the school failed to adequately punish some of the accused students.

The accused men have denied all wrongdoing, the New York Times reported.

Cornell has defended its handling of the matter, saying it launched a comprehensive investigation and barred the Chi Phi fraternity from campus. The school said it imposed a range of disciplinary measures, including expulsions.

Also Read: New York governor appoints special prosecutor in Cornell fraternity rape case

But "we must do better," Kotlikoff said. "We don't have all the answers, but we are committed to investigating and finding the answers our community deserves."

He vowed that university officials would "be more transparent" about their actions related to the 2024 incident, but he did not detail specific initiatives that the university would take.

"In the coming weeks, we will create additional opportunities for members of our community to ask questions and hear directly from university leadership," he said.

The case has reignited scrutiny of how law enforcement and universities handle sexual assault complaints, with students questioning whether processes are enough to protect them. It has also drawn the attention of New York state officials, who have appointed a special prosecutor to investigate.

Add as a Reliable and Trusted News Source
Add Now!

(You can now subscribe to our WhatsApp channel)

(You can now subscribe to our WhatsApp channel)

Read More News on
Cornell UniversityGreek liferape allegationsChi Phi fraternitysexual assault complaintsfraternities and sororitiesuniversity misconductstudent safetyIvy League culture

Enter search text:

Continue reading with one of these options:
Limited Access
Free
Login to get access to some exclusive stories

& personalised newsletters
Login Now

Unlimited Access
Starting @ Rs120/month
Get access to exclusive stories, expert opinions &

in-depth stock reports
Subscribe Now

Unlock Access to All Exclusives with ETPrime FREE TRIAL

15 Days Free: Unlock All ETPrime Exclusives, Market Tools & ePapers

Trial offer expiring in00 : 05 : 00

I'd rather pay ₹2599 now

Uh-oh! This is an exclusive story available for selected readers only.

Worry not. You’re just a step away.

Prime Account Detected!

It seems like you're already an ETPrime member with

Log out of your current logged-in account and log in again using your ET Prime credentials to enjoy all member benefits.

Unlock ETPrime's Exclusive Stories Today!

Subscribe to gain powerful insights on business, stock market and industry trends.

Big Price Drop! Flat 40% Off

Student Only Offer

Already a Member? Sign In now

Already a Member? Sign In now
Already a Member? Sign In now

Offer Exclusively For You

Save up to Rs. 700/-

ON ET PRIME MEMBERSHIP

Avail Offer

Offer Exclusively For You

Get 1 Year Free

With 1 and 2-Year ET prime membership

Avail Offer

Offer Exclusively For You

Get 1 Year Free

With 1 and 2-Year ET prime membership

Avail Offer

Offer Exclusively For You

Get Flat 40% Off

Then ₹ 1749 for 1 year

Avail Offer

Offer Exclusively For You

ET Prime at ₹ 49 for 1 month

Then ₹ 1749 for 1 year

Avail Offer

Special Offer

Get flat 40% off on ETPrime

Avail Offer
Avail Offer

Claim NowAlready a Member? Sign In now

Need Assistance?

Connect with an ETPrime expert for personalized support and guidance

+91 9484700004

' + h3 + '

' + h4 + '

' + listing + '

What’s Included with

ETPrime Membership

1Exclusive Insights That Matter

Uncover the truth with our investigative stories

Make strategic moves using the real-world case studies

Read industry-specific stories to identify emerging trends

Spot opportunities with in-depth insights that matter

Trump temper on H-1B visas is forcing Indians to do these things to stay put in US

What Adani’s US indictment means for India Inc’s overseas fundraising
Why veterans like Reliance, L&T are on acquisition spree? Aswath Damodaran has an answer.

Will China’s dollar bond sale in Saudi Arabia trump the US in financial world?
Huawei launches its own OS to compete with Google and Apple. But can it win beyond China?

The problem with lab grown diamonds
Why a falling rupee is a better option for the economy

A list of top 20 momentum stocks that have delivered massive returns in one year