Cornell University suspends Frat parties as it admits campus drug problem

Cornell University has suspended parties and social events inside Interfraternity Council houses for the remainder of the 2026–2027 academic year following allegations that a woman was drugged and defiled at a fraternity house in 2024.

In a letter to the campus community on Tuesday, October 13, university President Michael Kotlikoff said any fraternity that violated the restrictions would face immediate suspension. He said the measures would give Cornell time to assess whether fraternity life could continue safely, while acknowledging a “deeply disturbing prevalence of alcohol and drug abuse” extending beyond fraternities and sororities.

Kotlikoff also apologised for the harm allegedly suffered by the woman, identified in court documents as Jane Doe. He said he was “appalled” by allegations of defilement within the Cornell community and acknowledged that the university had fallen short. Doe filed a lawsuit alleging that seven fraternity members drugged and defiled her at a Cornell fraternity house in October 2024.

The university also plans to work with New York State Police to involve independent investigators in defilement cases and expand resources supporting survivors. Former US Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates is leading an independent review of Cornell’s policies. However, Kotlikoff said the university could not wait for the review’s findings before taking action.