Cornell President Michael Kotlikoff Addresses 2024 Rape Allegation and Civil Lawsuit

Cornell University president Michael Kotlikoff publicly responded to a 2024 rape allegation involving a student, stating he was "deeply disturbed" by the incident. In a video message released on Saturday, Kotlikoff said, "My heart aches when I think of what she experienced," and emphasized the university must "do everything we can to prevent what happened to Jane Doe" from recurring. The case has attracted national outrage. Last month, lawyers for the plaintiff, identified as Jane Doe, filed a civil lawsuit against Cornell University, its leaders, the Chi Phi fraternity, her sorority, and seven men. The suit alleges she was given drugs and alcohol and then assaulted. While the men have largely remained silent, lawyers for at least three have issued statements denying criminal wrongdoing. Cornell has defended aspects of its handling of the case, but Kotlikoff acknowledged on Saturday that the university could "do better." He pledged greater transparency amid what he described as "distrust" in the community. The lawsuit and the president's remarks come as the Ivy League institution faces scrutiny over its response to sexual assault allegations.