Cornell University has appointed former senior Justice Department official Sally Yates to lead an independent review of how the school handles sexual misconduct complaints. The move comes after growing public criticism over the university’s response to allegations of a 2024 sexual assault involving members of a fraternity.
University trustees announced the decision on Tuesday. The review will examine several parts of Cornell’s response system, including how reports of sexual assault and sexual harassment are investigated, how disciplinary procedures are carried out and how campus police respond to complaints.
Trustee Chair Anne Meinig Smalling said the university must be willing to closely examine its own actions and policies. University leaders said the review is intended to provide a detailed assessment of current practices and identify areas for improvement.
The decision follows days of protests and public concern surrounding allegations made by a woman identified publicly only as Jane Doe.
According to her account, she reported to campus police in November 2024 that she had been sexually assaulted several weeks earlier by multiple members of the Chi Phi fraternity. She alleged that she was pressured into consuming alcohol and drugs before the incident occurred.
The allegations have generated widespread attention and renewed discussion about campus safety and accountability.
No criminal charges have been filed in connection with the case. However, the Chi Phi chapter at Cornell has been shut down. The university has also stated that some students were expelled while others received suspensions following internal disciplinary actions.
As part of the new review, Yates will examine how the university handled the woman’s complaint. The assessment will also look at Cornell’s oversight of fraternities, sororities and other student organizations.
The woman filed a lawsuit against the university, several former students, the fraternity and other parties last month. The legal action brought national attention to the allegations and raised questions about how the case was managed by university officials, campus police and local authorities.
Attorneys representing two former students named in the lawsuit have denied that their clients participated in sexual assault. Court records indicate that some accused students argued during a Title IX investigation that the sexual activity was consensual.
The lawsuit has become a major focus of public discussion as officials continue to review the matter.
At the state level, New York Attorney General Letitia James is conducting a criminal investigation related to the allegations. Her office may appoint outside legal experts to assist with the inquiry.
Officials said members of James’ team have already spoken with Jane Doe’s attorney and with Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten. James has also personally discussed the matter with Van Houten.
The district attorney previously reviewed the allegations in 2024 and did not file criminal charges. After the lawsuit became public, his office reopened the investigation. Van Houten later expressed support for the attorney general’s involvement in the case.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul also called for an independent review of Cornell’s handling of the allegations. The university’s decision to appoint Yates follows that request.
Yates brings extensive legal experience to the role. During her career at the Justice Department, she served as the top federal prosecutor in Atlanta before becoming deputy attorney general.
She later served as acting attorney general in early 2017. After leaving government service, she entered private practice and became known for leading independent investigations involving major institutions and organizations.
One of her most notable reviews examined allegations of misconduct and abuse within professional women’s soccer. That investigation resulted in findings that led to significant reforms across the league.
Cornell officials said Yates will conduct a comprehensive assessment and provide recommendations based on her findings.
The Cornell Sexual Assault Review is expected to play a key role in determining whether changes are needed in university policies, disciplinary systems and oversight procedures. As investigations continue and public attention remains high, many students, parents and community members will be watching closely for the results of the review and any actions that follow.
