Cornell sued over 2024 Chi Phi drugging and gang rape allegations

Key points

• The plaintiff, identified as Jane Doe, alleges she was coerced into consuming ketamine, marijuana, and alcohol at the Chi Phi house on October 19, 2024.
• The lawsuit names seven defendants: Matthew Ingalls, Johnathan Newell, Winston Lee, Gillio Lopes, Diego Sarabia, Scott Norris, and Scott Kretzschmar.
• The suit claims the assault lasted from approximately 11 p.m. to 5:45 a.m., with multiple men participating while the plaintiff was incapacitated.
• Cornell University is accused of negligence, breach of contract, and failing to discipline the students, who were offered the chance to mitigate conduct via essays.
• The Tompkins County District Attorney’s office confirmed that the criminal investigation did not lead to charges being filed against the seven men.

Background

This case follows a pattern of Greek life controversies at Cornell, including a 2022 incident where four women reported being drugged and raped in fraternity houses, leading to a temporary ban on fraternity parties. The university has faced ongoing scrutiny regarding its handling of sexual violence within its Greek life system.

How outlets are covering it

The Cornell Daily Sun and New York Post provide detailed accounts of the alleged assault, including the use of a Snapchat group chat to recruit participants. The Washington Times offers a brief summary of the lawsuit. The New York Post highlights the university's offer of essay mitigation as a point of controversy, while the Cornell Daily Sun notes that attorney Jeremy Saland, representing defendant Scott Kretzschmar, disputes the allegations, claiming to possess evidence that contradicts the plaintiff's account. Cornell University declined to comment on the lawsuit or the disciplinary actions taken against the students.

Why it matters

The lawsuit highlights ongoing concerns about sexual violence in Greek life at Ivy League institutions and the legal accountability of universities for failing to protect students. It also underscores the disparity between criminal and civil proceedings in such cases, where lack of criminal charges does not preclude civil liability for negligence and emotional distress.

What to watch

The civil lawsuit will proceed through the Manhattan Supreme Court. The outcome may depend on the evidence presented regarding the university's supervisory duties and the defendants' actions. The case could set a precedent for holding universities accountable for Greek life-related sexual assaults.