Cornell Hires Sally Yates to Review Sexual Assault Policies
Cornell named Sally Yates to lead an independent review of its sexual assault response.
Why it matters: Institutions face growing demands for transparency and accountability in sexual assault investigations. Cornell's move signals a broader legal and policy focus critical for higher education legal professionals.
- Sally Yates appointed on October 6, 2026, to lead an independent review of Cornell's sexual misconduct policies.
- Review covers investigative and disciplinary procedures, campus police response, and student organization oversight.
- Lawsuit filed in September 2026 by a former student alleging sexual assault by seven Chi Phi fraternity members in October 2024.
- Chi Phi fraternity chapter shut down; several students expelled and suspended; no criminal charges filed to date.
On October 6, 2026, Cornell University appointed former U.S. Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates to lead an independent review of the university's handling of sexual misconduct complaints. This initiative follows a high-profile lawsuit and significant public scrutiny.
The review will assess how Cornell investigates sexual assault and harassment claims, evaluates disciplinary actions, manages campus police responses, and oversees student organizations, according to reports from AP News. While focused on one incident, the review aims to broadly evaluate the university’s procedures to prevent and respond to sexual misconduct, as noted by Jesse Zanger, a university spokesperson.
The lawsuit underlying this action was filed in September 2026 by a former student, Jane Doe, who alleges she was sexually assaulted by seven members of the Chi Phi fraternity in October 2024. Doe reports being pressured into consuming alcohol and drugs before the incident, as detailed in The Washington Post.
Following the assault allegations, Cornell shut down the Chi Phi chapter, expelled two students, and suspended others, though the exact number of suspensions remains undisclosed. No criminal charges have been filed as of the latest reports.
The case attracted statewide attention, with New York Governor Kathy Hochul appointing Attorney General Letitia James as special prosecutor for an independent review. Students and faculty on campus have staged protests demanding greater accountability and transparency in handling sexual assault cases.Le Monde reports widespread outrage.
Cornell’s decision to bring in Sally Yates, a former senior Justice Department official, underscores the legal and regulatory scrutiny facing universities navigating sexual misconduct allegations. This independent review will be closely watched for insights into best practices and compliance with Title IX and other regulations.
By the numbers:
- October 19, 2024 — Date of alleged sexual assault
- September 16, 2026 — Lawsuit filed by former student Jane Doe
- October 6, 2026 — Sally Yates appointed to lead independent review
- 7 — Number of alleged assailants
- 2 — Students expelled following investigation
Yes, but: No criminal charges have been filed to date, highlighting ongoing challenges in prosecuting campus sexual assault cases.
What's next: The timeline for Sally Yates' independent review has not been announced; outcomes are expected to influence Cornell's policies and could set precedents for other institutions.