Nearly two years after a Cornell student reported a harrowing sexual assault at the Chi Phi fraternity house, New York prosecutors have officially reopened the investigation. The decision follows a recent civil lawsuit filed by the victim, who alleges that she was drugged with ketamine and assaulted by seven fraternity members during the October 2024 incident. While the District Attorney initially declined to press charges after the victim’s initial report—citing a lack of evidence and claims of consensual activity—the narrative provided in the new lawsuit paints a different picture, suggesting she was coerced and incapacitated.

As the case moves toward a potential grand jury, the distinction between university discipline and criminal law remains a focal point. Cornell has maintained that it took swift action following its own internal inquiry, resulting in the expulsion or suspension of several students and the permanent ban of the Chi Phi chapter from campus. While the university disputes the civil allegations regarding its lack of oversight, it has publicly supported the reopening of the criminal probe. The upcoming grand jury proceedings will now determine if the new evidence and testimony are sufficient to move forward with formal criminal charges against those involved.