The hearing comes amid renewed scrutiny of Cornell’s response to allegations made by a former student identified as Jane Doe in a civil lawsuit.
Cornell students will have a chance to publicly voice their concerns Thursday as questions continue to surround the university’s response to sexual assault allegations.
The Cornell Student Assembly is holding a public hearing from 4:45 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Willard Straight Hall, giving members of the Cornell community a forum to discuss sexual violence, transparency and accountability.
Student Assembly President Eeshaan Chaudhuri said the renewed attention surrounding allegations stemming from a 2024 incident has left students looking for answers.
“I remember that feeling myself from a year on campus, reading the headlines, the crime report of this alleged case happening and then being shocked,” Chaudhuri said. “And then at the end of the semester, it kind of just fell off and we didn’t really hear much about it until it came back up this past week or so.”
Chaudhuri said the recent developments have caught the attention of students across campus.
“So it’s been really a big shocker and I think people really want answers,” he said.
The hearing comes amid renewed scrutiny of Cornell’s response to allegations made by a former student identified as Jane Doe in a civil lawsuit. The lawsuit alleges she was sexually assaulted by multiple men at the Chi Phi fraternity house in October 2024. No criminal charges have been filed in connection with the allegations.
The Tompkins County District Attorney’s Office has reopened its criminal investigation and plans to present the case to a grand jury. Cornell has defended its handling of the case, saying its separate Title IX investigation resulted in sanctions that included suspensions and expulsions.
Thursday’s hearing, however, will focus on what students have to say.
“We’re calling all different students to come to the student assembly and voice their concerns, how they’re feeling here on campus,” Chaudhuri said. “There’s obviously like mass feelings of people being upset and people wanting transparency and accountability from administration.”
Will students feel heard?
CNY Central spoke with students on campus Wednesday evening about whether they plan to attend and whether they believe Cornell administrators are listening to their concerns.
Sophomore Lyd Meyer said he would like to attend if his schedule allows.
“The things that have been happening on campus are getting more and more attention, and I really think it’s important that we attend these things,” Meyer said.
But when asked whether he believes Cornell has been listening to students, Meyer was skeptical.
“No,” Meyer said. “I think Cornell has been having an issue for a long time with listening to students.”
Fifth-year student Franklin Berry, who said another commitment will likely prevent him from attending Thursday’s hearing, expressed a similar concern.
“So yeah, they’re hearing the students, but because we’re yelling, not because they actually want to listen,” Berry said.
The Student Assembly is also expected to introduce a resolution calling for greater transparency surrounding Cornell’s response to sexual assault and for a town hall bringing students together with senior university administrators.
Thursday’s hearing will be open to the Cornell community.
