Resources and support for sexual assault and misconduct
Dear Cornell community,
Most of you are aware of the allegations of sexual assault at the Chi Phi fraternity in 2024. The events that took place on our campus in 2024 were appalling then and remain so now.
We recognize that these reports have raised difficult and understandable questions about how Cornell responds to allegations of sexual misconduct on campus. We have created an FAQ ("Cornell University FAQ Regarding 2024 Chi Phi Sexual Assault Allegations") to answer questions we are receiving. We take those questions seriously and strive to be as transparent as we can within the bounds of federal law.
We are committed to sustaining a community where we all can thrive. Following these events, early in 2025, we formed the Cornell Presidential Task Force on Campus Sexual Assault, comprising faculty, staff, and students, to develop and implement a holistic framework focused on prevention, safety, and health. The Task Force’s final report (PDF) was issued this spring and contains action steps, which we fully endorse. An implementation committee has been working to embed these recommendations into our campus operations and culture, so that we can create meaningful institutional change in the Cornell community.
We also want to remind you of the substantial existing resources that are in place to support those who have experienced sexual misconduct and assault. The respective leaders of these support offices have posted an open letter that includes many of these details.
We will continue to examine and strengthen our policies to ensure we are doing all we can to foster a culture where sexual misconduct is never tolerated, those who come forward are supported, and individuals found responsible through our processes are held accountable. Fundamental to Cornell’s “… any person … any study” mission is a safe, welcoming, inclusive community based on respect and consideration. Everyone in the Cornell community must be able to live, work, and study without fear of sexual assault or abuse.
Please find our previous statements on the incident, investigation, and follow-on task force:
- https://www.statements.cornell.edu/2026/20260928-da-investigation.cfm
- https://www.statements.cornell.edu/2026/20260921-update.cfm
- https://statements.cornell.edu/2024/20241126-update.cfm
- https://statements.cornell.edu/2025/20250206-task-force.cfm
- https://statements.cornell.edu/2026/20260317-tfcsa-final-recommendations.cfm
Sincerely,
Anne Meinig Smalling ’87
Chair of the Cornell University Board of Trustees
Michael I. Kotlikoff
President
Kavita Bala
Provost