Cornell University Appoints Sally Yates to Investigate Handling of Rape Case

Cornell University trustees have appointed former United States Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates to lead an independent internal review regarding the institution's handling of sexual assault and harassment allegations. This decision follows significant backlash concerning the university's response to a former student's rape allegations.

Announced on Tuesday, Yates will evaluate Cornell's investigative procedures for sexual misconduct, disciplinary measures, campus police reactions, and the oversight of fraternities. Sally Yates previously served as deputy attorney general under President Barack Obama and briefly as acting attorney general at the beginning of Donald Trump's first presidency, before being dismissed in 2017 after instructing Justice Department lawyers not to defend the initial travel ban targeting Muslim-majority countries.

“It is imperative that Cornell be willing to examine itself with the same rigor we expect of others,” stated Cornell Board of Trustees Chair Anne Meinig Smalling.

The review follows intensified scrutiny over Cornell's response to accusations from a woman, identified in court documents as Jane Doe, who alleged she was sexually assaulted by multiple members of the Chi Phi fraternity in October 2024. The matter gained renewed attention after Doe initiated a civil lawsuit against the university, the fraternity, and seven former students in September, though no criminal charges have been filed. Cornell previously stated it disciplined students through expulsions and suspensions and closed the Chi Phi chapter following its internal investigation.

“We don’t have all the answers, but we are committed to investigating and finding the answers our community deserves,” said Cornell President Michael Kotlikoff in a video message.

Currently a partner at the law firm King & Spalding, Yates specializes in independent investigations, having previously led a 2022 inquiry into systemic misconduct within the National Women’s Soccer League. Meanwhile, New York Attorney General Letitia James is conducting a separate criminal investigation after Governor Kathy Hochul appointed her as a special prosecutor amid mounting pressure from students and faculty for an independent review.