Cornell Taps Justice Sally Yates to Review Handling of Sexual Assault Cases/ TezzBuzz/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Cornell University has appointed former Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates to review its handling of sexual misconduct complaints following outrage over an alleged 2024 fraternity gang rape. The review will examine investigations, disciplinary procedures, campus police responses and oversight of student organizations. A separate criminal investigation led by New York Attorney General Letitia James is underway, with no charges filed so far.
Quick Look
- Review leader: Former senior Justice Department official Sally Yates will spearhead Cornell’s assessment.
- Scope: The inquiry will cover sexual assault and harassment investigations, discipline, campus policing and student-group oversight.
- Complaint under review: Jane Doe alleges multiple Chi Phi fraternity members sexually assaulted her in 2024.
- University actions: Cornell says it expelled some students and suspended others; the fraternity chapter was shut down.
- Separate investigation: Attorney General Letitia James is conducting a criminal inquiry.
- Accused students’ responses: Lawyers for two former students deny their participation in an assault; some accused students described the activity as consensual.
- Yates’ experience: Her previous independent investigations include a 2022 inquiry that found systemic abuse in the National Women’s Soccer League.
Deep Look
Cornell Trustees Appoint Sally Yates to Lead Review
ITHACA, N.Y. — Cornell University trustees announced Tuesday that Sally Yates will lead a review of the institution’s response to sexual misconduct complaints.
The appointment follows days of public anger and a large campus protest over allegations that several fraternity members sexually assaulted a student in 2024.
Yates, a former deputy attorney general during the Obama administration, will examine how Cornell investigates sexual assault and harassment reports, conducts disciplinary proceedings and handles campus police responses.
“It is imperative that Cornell be willing to examine itself with the same rigor we expect of others,” trustee Chair Anne Meinig Smalling said in a statement.
Review Will Examine Jane Doe’s Complaint and Fraternity Oversight
The assessment will include Cornell’s handling of the complaint made by a woman publicly identified as Jane Doe.
She told campus police in November 2024 that multiple Chi Phi fraternity members had sexually assaulted her weeks earlier after pressuring her to consume alcohol and drugs.
Yates will also examine oversight of fraternities, sororities and other campus organizations.
No criminal charges have been filed. Cornell says it expelled some students and suspended others, and its Chi Phi chapter was shut down.
Lawsuit Intensifies Scrutiny of Cornell’s Response
Jane Doe sued Cornell, seven former students, the fraternity and others last month.
The lawsuit renewed national attention to the allegations and the actions of campus police, university officials and the local prosecutor.
Lawyers for two former students denied that their clients participated in a sexual assault. The Associated Press could not reach the other men or their representatives.
Court records show that some accused students maintained the sexual activity was consensual during Cornell’s investigation under the federal Title IX law.
Letitia James Leads Separate Criminal Investigation
New York Attorney General Letitia James is now conducting a criminal investigation and may appoint outside lawyers to assist.
Her deputies have spoken with Jane Doe’s attorney and Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten. James also spoke directly with Van Houten, her office said Tuesday.
Van Houten investigated the allegations in 2024 without bringing charges. He reopened the inquiry after reviewing Jane Doe’s lawsuit.
Gov. Kathy Hochul assigned James to the case last week, and Van Houten said he supported the appointment.
Hochul, James and Van Houten are Democrats.
The governor also called for an independent examination of Cornell’s handling of the matter—the review Yates will now lead.
Yates Brings Decades of Justice Department Experience
Yates spent decades at the Justice Department, including years as the top federal prosecutor in Atlanta before becoming deputy attorney general.
She gained national prominence in January 2017 while serving as acting attorney general during the opening days of Trump’s first administration.
Yates instructed Justice Department lawyers not to defend the constitutionality of his refugee and immigration ban.
Trump promptly fired her, accusing her of betrayal and insubordination.
Earlier Warning About Michael Flynn Drew National Attention
Before leaving the department, Yates raised concerns with the Trump White House about contacts between newly appointed National Security Adviser Michael Flynn and the Russian ambassador during the presidential transition.
That warning later became public and attracted significant attention.
Flynn subsequently was fired.
Previous Independent Inquiry Found Systemic Abuse in Women’s Soccer
Since leaving government, Yates has worked in private practice at King & Spalding.
Her work includes independent investigations for organizations and companies.
She led a major inquiry into alleged abuse and misconduct in the National Women’s Soccer Leagueincluding harassment and coercion claims.
The investigation concluded in 2022 with a finding of systemic abuse, providing relevant experience for the examination of Cornell’s policies and institutional response.
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