New York State Police Take Over Sexual Assault Investigations at Cornell

New York State Police will handle all future sexual offense complaints at Cornell University.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced the new arrangement on Thursday following a dispute over the handling of a 2024 gang rape case. The change removes these investigations from the university's internal police force and places them under state jurisdiction immediately upon reporting.

Hochul stated that survivors deserve to know their allegations will be taken seriously by law enforcement trained to support them. She added that survivors should be able to trust the institutions responsible for protecting them.

The decision follows a civil lawsuit filed in mid-September by a student known as Jane Doe. She alleged that seven men drugged and raped her at a Cornell fraternity house in 2024. The group has since been referred to as the Cornell Seven.

Cornell initially defended its disciplinary measures but later acknowledged it fell short in handling the case. Hochul described the investigation's handling as deeply disturbed. She appointed New York Attorney General Letitia James as a special prosecutor earlier this month to oversee a reopened inquiry into whether criminal charges are warranted.

Tensions within the university have intensified. The Faculty Senate, a governing body of professors and academic staff, met behind closed doors on Wednesday. The body decided to proceed with a resolution of no confidence against the administration and President Michael Kotlikoff.

The vote is open to faculty from Friday through November 6. While the vote is largely symbolic, it could increase pressure for leadership changes. The university also announced measures earlier this month, including adding dedicated sexual assault investigators to its police force.