Cornell University said it supports the Tompkins County District Attorney’s decision to give the woman an opportunity to have her allegations heard by a criminal grand jury.
The university said it also conducted a months-long Title IX investigation, which is separate from a criminal proceeding. The university imposed temporary suspensions and other restrictions during the investigation.
After the investigation, the case went before a panel of trained faculty and staff, who heard evidence over multiple days. Cornell said the complainant and respondents had the opportunity to testify and present evidence.
The university said the panel ultimately imposed a range of sanctions, including expulsions and suspensions.
“None of the individuals charged were offered the opportunity to write essays as a sole consequence of their involvement,” Cornell said.
The university noted the Chi Phi chapter involved in the case was closed in 2024 and remains barred from campus.
“Any suggestion that the university did not impose consequential punishments for those involved is false,” Kyle Kimball, Cornell’s vice president for university relations, said. “A continuation of the false narrative that there were minimal consequences in this case is irresponsible, will make survivors feel less safe and supported, and will perpetuate the underreporting of sexual assault.”