The Brief New York prosecutors reopened an investigation into an alleged gang rape at Cornell's Chi Phi fraternity in 2024. The victim's lawsuit names seven alleged perpetrators, Cornell, the fraternity and others. Cornell said it supports the investigation and previously expelled or suspended students involved.



New York prosecutors have reopened an investigation into an alleged gang rape that took place at a Cornell University fraternity in 2024 after the victim filed a new lawsuit.

Victim files lawsuit in 2024 assault

Dig deeper:

The unidentified victim filed the complaint on Sept. 16, claiming she was sexually assaulted at the Chi Phi fraternity house on campus in October 2024.

Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten said his office has begun pursuing criminal charges against the seven alleged perpetrators and will present the case before a grand jury.

The victim is suing the men allegedly involved in the gang rape, the fraternity, the university, a bar located near campus, and others.

Why criminal charges weren't sought in 2024

When asked why his office hadn't sought criminal charges initially in 2024, Van Houten explained in a statement that the victim's earlier statement to police did not allege that she was drugged against her will or gang raped, according to The Washington Post.

Her original statement said she was a willing participant in the drug use and sexual conduct.

What they're saying:

 My office obviously did not and could not have based our November 2024 decision on the allegations in a civil lawsuit that would not be filed until nearly two years later,  Van Houten told the Post.

Cornell responds

The other side:

The university said in a statement that it supports the decision to reopen the investigation.

The school said it conducted its own investigation and issued sanctions, including expelling some students and suspending others.

It also said the on-campus Chi Phi chapter was closed in 2024 and remains barred from campus.

 Any suggestion that the university did not impose consequential punishments for those involved is false,  the

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