Update on disturbing allegations of sexual violence


Dear Ithaca campus community,

I am writing with information regarding the ongoing investigations into the serious and deeply disturbing allegations of drug abuse and sexual violence at the Chi Phi fraternity house.

While the Cornell University Police Department continues to pursue its criminal investigation, Cornell’s Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards and the Office of Institutional Equity and Title IX have been diligently reviewing all reported information regarding the many allegations that have been received pertaining to events at the fraternity. These offices have taken a number of actions in response, including addressing immediate health, safety, and educational concerns.

Specifically, Chi Phi, Xi Chapter, remains under a temporary suspension order that was issued on November 8, 2024, for alleged violations of the Student Code of Conduct. In addition, late last week, interim measures in the form of temporary suspensions were issued for a number of students to protect the immediate physical health and safety of all students.

The behavior that has been outlined in the many allegations received is abhorrent and cannot be tolerated within our community. I urge anyone who has experienced or is aware of sexual misconduct on our campus to report it to the Office of Institutional Equity and Title IX via their online reporting tool. Only those who perpetrate sexual violence benefit from its concealment.

Cornell’s Sexual Harassment and Assault – Response and Education Office Victim Advocacy Program is a confidential support resource available to all Cornellians, and further support is available to students through Counseling & Psychological Services at Cornell Health; confidential counseling resources are available to faculty and staff through the Faculty & Staff Assistance Program.

For many, these have been a difficult few weeks, with events that have challenged how we see each other and think about our community. I am confident that our community will rise to this challenge as it has to others, and continue to pursue our individual and collective goals throughout the academic year.

I wish all Cornellians a restful Thanksgiving break with loved ones, family, and friends.

Sincerely,

Michael I. Kotlikoff
Interim President