Cornell University president Michael Kotlikoff released a video statement on Saturday night acknowledging that the school "must do better" following allegations that a 20-year-old student, identified as Jane Doe, was drugged and gang-raped by seven men from the Chi Phi fraternity on October 19, 2024.

Kotlikoff described the allegations as "deeply disturbing" and said Cornell was "committed to investigating" how the case was handled. Jane Doe reported the incident to Cornell University police two weeks after it occurred, but no charges were filed. She has since filed a civil lawsuit against the Ivy League institution, alleging the university failed to protect her or adequately punish those involved.

In his statement, Kotlikoff said the case had raised questions about campus culture regarding drug and alcohol use and the quality of investigations. He called the moment "defining" for the university and pledged to "foster a culture in which sexual assault is inexcusable and ensure our community is empowered and understands informed consent."

The president emphasized that university leaders must create an environment where assault victims "feel safe coming forward and are treated with compassion and dignity." He also signaled the need for a "serious look at the role of fraternities and sororities in campus life," noting that group membership "can never diminish individual responsibility for our own actions, for how we treat others, or for speaking up when someone may be at risk."

Kotlikoff said the university would welcome an independent review by a law firm of how Cornell handled the matter, and he supports the state attorney general's criminal investigation led by New York Attorney General Letitia James, appointed by Governor Kathy Hochul.

At a public hearing this week for students to discuss the alleged assault, many expressed frustration with the university's response. One student told the BBC that the administration "needs to change and it needs to change drastically and it needs to change fast."

Jane Doe's lawsuit states she was intoxicated during the alleged incident and could not provide consent.