Brief
Cornell sexual misconduct claims rarely end in expulsion, analysis finds
A USA Today analysis of Cornell's Title IX data shows most allegations are not investigated and few lead to severe sanctions.
By Felo News Desk · Published
A USA Today analysis of Cornell University’s Title IX office data, reported by the New York Post, indicates that out of more than 1,200 sexual assault, domestic‑violence or dating‑violence allegations filed between 2018 and 2024, only 162 were investigated. Of those investigations, 53 resulted in the accused being cleared, 51 were found responsible and 26 ended in informal resolutions or withdrawals. Only seven of the responsible parties were expelled or dismissed, representing roughly 13% of cases that led to severe outcomes.
The report also notes that the university is under heightened scrutiny after a September 14 civil lawsuit filed by a former student alleging that seven Chi Phi fraternity members drugged and gang‑raped her in October 2024. The lawsuit, which includes screenshots of a fraternity group chat, prompted Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten to reopen the investigation.
Key facts
- More than 1,200 sexual misconduct allegations were reported to Cornell's Title IX office between 2018 and 2024. (nypost.com)
- Only 162 of those allegations were investigated. (nypost.com)
- Seven accused individuals were expelled or dismissed, about 13% of investigated cases. (nypost.com)
- A civil lawsuit filed on September 14 alleges seven fraternity members drugged and gang‑raped a student in October 2024. (nypost.com)
Sources
- [1] nypost.com — originally reported as “Just 13% of Cornell sexual misconduct claims lead to expulsion, dismissal – and the Ivy League school isn’t alone”
