Cornell backs tougher sexual assault laws after campus case
Cornell's president pledges support for a New York law change to close a legal gap in sexual assault prosecution.
Cornell University president Michael Kotlikoff called for stronger sexual assault laws in New York after allegations that a student was gang-raped by seven members of Chi Phi fraternity in October 2024.
In a video message, Kotlikoff pledged the university would back new laws and hold the campus more accountable. New York law currently contains a "voluntary intoxication loophole."
Under this loophole, victims who voluntarily drank or took drugs cannot claim they were too drunk to consent. They can only make this claim if they were physically helpless.
About 20 US states have similar gaps. Governor Kathy Hochul promised to change the law.
The accused men have not been charged with a crime. They have denied wrongdoing.
Kotlikoff acknowledged troubling questions about how Cornell handled the investigation.
- Seven Chi Phi members
- Accused fraternity members
- October 2024
- When alleged assault occurred
- About 20 US states
- States with similar loophole
- 20 years old
- Victim's age at time
Why it mattersThe case exposes a legal gap that allows prosecutors to decline charges in some sexual assault cases, affecting how such crimes are prosecuted across multiple US states.
AustraliaNo direct Australian effect yet, but the case highlights gaps in how sexual assault is prosecuted in other countries and may prompt similar reviews in Australian jurisdictions.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 1 h ago
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