Documents obtained by ABC News show that Cornell University was in active negotiations with the Chi Phi fraternity to allow its return to campus as early as 2030, but those talks stalled on September 10, just four days before Jane Doe filed a civil lawsuit alleging a gang rape.
Negotiations and proposed reinstatement
The university’s proposal required Chi Phi to admit violations of the student code covering “alcohol-related behavior,” “collusion or complicity,” “drug-related behavior,” “misconduct related to student organizations or groups” and “assault and endangerment,” which prohibits unwelcome physical contact and preventing a person from leaving a location.
Cornell offered two paths for reinstatement: one would let the chapter return in 2031, and the other would lift the suspension a year earlier but place the fraternity on a probationary status known as deferred dismissal. Both options would ensure that none of the students who were members at the time of the alleged assault would still be on campus.
Fraternity’s response and university’s refusal
During the talks, Chi Phi sought to remove language concerning alcohol-related behavior, assault and endangerment, and collusion and complicity. Cornell rejected those changes, stating, “Of particular concern is the chapter is alleged to have engaged in egregiously unsafe social event hosting practices by providing alcohol and providing drugs to attendees. We disagree with its removal.”
In a statement to ABC News, Cornell officials said the alternative resolution was “vehemently rejected” before the lawsuit was filed because the fraternity refused to accept responsibility for its code violations, describing the stance as “unacceptable” and confirming that Chi Phi remains barred from campus.
Legal action and reactions
The alleged assault, which took place in October 2024, involved the alleged provision of alcohol and ketamine to the victim, followed by a prolonged sexual assault by seven fraternity members, all of whom have denied wrongdoing. The case is now under investigation by the New York Attorney General’s Office.
Attorney Thomas Giuffra, representing Jane Doe, said there is no reason to ever allow the fraternity back on campus, calling Cornell’s consideration of reinstatement “shocking” and arguing that any admission from Chi Phi would merely “masquerade as accountability.”
Attorneys for the Chi Phi chapter and its national organization did not respond to requests for comment.
Original reporting: Brookhaven News – ABC7 New York — read the source article.
