Key Facts

• Activists smashed a glass door and spray-painted slogans like “Smash the patriarchy” on Cornell’s Day Hall.
• The vandalism happened before a student rally calling for justice for sexual assault survivors.
• The case involves a civil lawsuit by an anonymous student accusing seven former fraternity members of gang rape at a party on October 19, 2024.
• The student alleged she was pressured to drink and take ketamine before the assault.
• Cornell University, the fraternity Chi Phi, and others are named as defendants in the lawsuit.
• Two accused students’ lawyers deny involvement in sexual assault.
• Students want the removal of the Interfraternity Council system and changes to the university’s disciplinary process.
• New York state officials pressured Cornell to hire a law firm for an independent review of how the university handled the case.
• Although no criminal charges were filed, the victim told campus police she was sure she had been raped.
• Cornell allowed accused students to write essays to lessen punishment; two were expelled, two suspended.