Cornell's President Speaks: 'My Heart Aches'

Cornell's president called the alleged gang rape of a student at a fraternity house in 2024 "deeply disturbing" Saturday, said it would weigh on the university for years to come, and pledged greater transparency amid mounting outrage over the school's handling of the case. In an eight-minute video message to the Cornell community, Michael Kotlikoff described the past week as one of the most difficult in the university's history and acknowledged troubling questions about the investigations that followed the allegations, reports the AP. "My heart aches when I think of what she experienced," Kotlikoff said. "It raises heartbreaking and troubling issues about sexual assault, dehumanization and aspects of party culture, alcohol and drug use."

Kotlikoff reaffirmed his commitment to supporting an independent review of Cornell's handling of the case called for by New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and said the school's Board of Trustees would announce details next week. He also expressed support for Hochul's decision to turn the criminal investigation over to the state attorney general. "I want to acknowledge something that can be difficult for an institution to say," Kotlikoff said. "We don't have all the answers, but we are committed to investigating and finding the answers our community deserves."

During a student assembly Thursday that gave students an opportunity to voice concerns and discuss proposals to improve Cornell's response to sexual assault, several speakers called for Kotlikoff's resignation. Hochul, asked Friday whether she believed Kotlikoff should resign over the university's handling of the case, declined to take a position, saying she did not yet have enough information. Kotlikoff acknowledged frustration that Cornell has not communicated enough, saying that has led to distrust. While citing "real legal and privacy limits" on what the university can disclose, he pledged greater transparency and more opportunities for students, parents, and others to engage with university leaders. He also committed Cornell's support to legislative efforts to change New York's sexual assault laws.

The case has renewed scrutiny of a state law that makes it difficult to prosecute sexual assaults involving people who voluntarily consume alcohol or drugs, even if they become too intoxicated to consent. Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten cited the law in defending his initial decision not to pursue charges, saying the woman's original statement to police described voluntary drug use and sexual activity. Kotlikoff also called for a "serious look at the role of fraternities and sororities in campus life," saying Cornell would engage students, alumni, and others in examining how to preserve the benefits of Greek life while strengthening accountability and transparency. "Being part of a group can never diminish individual responsibility for our own actions, for how we treat others or for speaking up when someone may be at risk," he said.