Response to recent crime alerts
Dear Cornell students,
Like you, we are outraged and saddened by the Cornell University Police Department (CUPD) crime alerts issued this weekend alleging the drugging of at least four students, and sexual assault of another student. These incidents reportedly occurred at off-campus residences affiliated with registered fraternities. We strongly condemn the actions of all individuals responsible for these criminal violations.
Police and Cornell administrative investigations are underway. All found responsible will be held accountable. If you have any information about these reported crimes, we urge you to reach out to CUPD at (607) 255-1111 or through the RAVE Guardian app, and/or to Ithaca Police Department (IPD) at (607) 272-3245 or the IPD tip line at (607) 330-0000. You may also report through the Silent Witness program.
As a result of these disturbing reports, the Interfraternity Council (IFC) , which governs all IFC-recognized fraternities at Cornell, has temporarily suspended all fraternity parties and social events, effective immediately. IFC student leaders made this decision voluntarily Sunday evening after an emergency meeting with staff, and we fully support this necessary pause. Fraternity leaders will take this time to implement stronger health and safety plans. No IFC-affiliated social events will resume until student leaders and Cornell staff are confident activities can take place responsibly and safely.
Crime is never the fault of those who are victimized. The university is providing support services to the victims and others impacted by these violations. Hearing about criminal incidents can also traumatize, or retraumatize, others. We encourage anyone who needs support to use the various resources and services that are available across campus, including those specific to sexual and relationship violence through the Sexual Harassment and Assault – Response and Education Office (SHARE) Victim Advocacy Program.
We reiterate that Cornell must be a caring community where all students feel respected and safe. We must all remain firm in our conviction that this behavior must be eradicated from our community, whether or not we – or our organizations – were directly involved. We encourage you to take time to connect with and reach out to your community of friends and peers to ask for and offer support as needed. Our campus community is stronger together.
Sincerely,
Martha E. Pollack
President
Ryan Lombardi
Vice President, Student and Campus Life
Campus Support Resources
If you or someone you know is a victim or survivor of sexual assault, confidential resources are available across campus. A list of confidential resources can be found on the SHARE website and include the staff within the Women's Resource Center, LGBTQ Resource Center, The Office of Spirituality and Meaning Making, as well as the CURW affiliates. A comprehensive list of supportive resources is available at mentalhealth.cornell.edu.
Anyone with information that would be helpful in these active investigations should contact the Cornell Police at (607) 255-1111 or through the RAVE Guardian app or through the Silent Witness program. You may also report to Ithaca Police Department at (607) 272-3245; tip line: (607) 330-0000.