Cornell found more than a dozen students responsible for sexual assault. Just two were expelled.

Cornell Sexual Assault Sanctions Draw Scrutiny

Earthguardiansonline.com – Cornell found more than a dozen students responsible for sexual assault between mid-2020 and mid-2024, but only two were expelled, according to university records. During that four-year period, 16 cases resulted in findings of responsibility, raising questions about how Cornell determines discipline after an investigation.

The university reviewed 51 formal sexual-assault complaints during the same period. Nearly half of the students found responsible received sanctions such as educational programming or written reprimands instead of suspension or expulsion.

The records have drawn new attention following a lawsuit filed last month by a former student identified as Jane Doe. Her 101-page complaint alleges she was drugged and gang raped at the Chi Phi fraternity house in 2024 and that campus authorities responded inadequately after she reported the incident. Attorneys for some of the men named in the lawsuit have denied the allegations.

Students Question Whether Discipline Matches Findings

Five current and former students who filed sexual-misconduct complaints told CNN they felt the process diminished their experiences. Some said Cornell investigators found the people they accused responsible, yet the sanctions did not appear proportionate to the findings.

Kacey Lee said Cornell found the student who assaulted her responsible in 2023. She said the student was required to complete a reflection paper and other measures but was not suspended or expelled.

“To know that I went through it all for this illusion of accountability felt even worse.”

Another Cornell graduate, who asked to remain anonymous because of concerns about retaliation, said the person she accused faced no consequences and was allowed to graduate.

“No punishment. No essay. No apology. Allowed to graduate.”

Other students voiced concerns about Cornell’s Title IX office, including whether investigators considered key evidence and whether weaknesses in the process can allow accused students to avoid accountability.

Cornell Says It Is Reviewing Its Response

Cornell found more than a dozen students responsible in the cases reflected in the records, while the university says it takes sexual-misconduct allegations seriously and investigates reports through established procedures. A spokesperson said people who report misconduct are offered support and resources.

The university also expanded in-person sexual-violence prevention education this year so that all first-year students receive it. Critics, however, are focused on what happens after a formal complaint is filed and a finding of responsibility is made.

President Michael Kotlikoff addressed the matter in a video released last week as attention to Jane Doe’s allegations intensified. He said the university is committed to examining the issues raised by the case.

“We don’t have all the answers, but we are committed to investigating and finding the answers our community deserves.”

“I believe we as an administration and we as a community must do better.”

Why Campus Sexual-Assault Cases Can Be Complex

Cornell found more than a dozen students responsible for sexual assault, yet the limited number of expulsions illustrates the difficult choices universities face when determining sanctions. Campus investigations may involve competing legal, procedural and safety concerns, particularly when schools consider their most severe penalties.

Peter Lake, a Stetson University professor who focuses on higher-education law, said colleges can be pulled in different directions when handling sexual-assault complaints.

“Striking a balance is rather tricky for a lot of institutions, because I think they are being taffy-pulled by competing interests.”

For students who report sexual misconduct, the process can be lengthy and emotionally difficult. When a finding leads to a sanction viewed as minor, survivors and advocates may question whether the process delivers meaningful accountability or improves campus safety.

FAQ: Cornell Sexual-Misconduct Cases

How many students were found responsible?

Between mid-2020 and mid-2024, 16 Cornell students were found responsible for sexual assault in formal cases reviewed by the university.

How many students were expelled?

Two students were expelled during that period after findings of responsibility for sexual assault.

What other sanctions were used?

Some students found responsible received measures including educational programs and written reprimands rather than suspension or expulsion.

What has Cornell said about the concerns?

Cornell says it investigates reports under established procedures, provides support and resources to people who come forward, and is reviewing its response as concerns about sexual-misconduct handling continue.