Skip to content
LOUD
Wrapped upeducationjusticegender

Activists vandalize Cornell building, students protest university's alleged assault response

Ithaca, New York, United States · Oct 5, 2026

Is it still on?

NOIt was a one-day action on Oct 5.

Last report · checked

Summary in three lines

Why they are protesting
Protesters allege Cornell University has failed to adequately address a 2024 gang rape complaint and prioritized its reputation over student safety.
What they want
Demands include the abolition of Greek life, resignation of university officials, and expulsion of students involved in the alleged assault.
What changed
Oct 5: Activists vandalized Day Hall, and students, faculty, and others rallied at Cornell, demanding accountability and policy changes.
WhatsAppPost on X

Both sides

What protesters want

  • Abolition of Interfraternity Council Greek life on campus
  • Resignation or termination of named administration officials
  • Replacement of Cornell’s Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards with a democratic disciplinary system
  • Expulsion or revocation of degrees for all Chi Phi members involved in the alleged 2024 rape
  • Changes to how the student code of conduct defines sexual consent

Organised by: Anonymous activists, Students for a Democratic Cornell, Ithaca College Young Feminist Coalition

What authorities say

Cornell University Vice President Kyle Kimball stated that while concerns deserve to be heard, damaging property is not the answer, and the university is investigating the vandalism. Cornell also stated its own disciplinary process resulted in suspensions and expulsions, and the Chi Phi chapter was closed in 2024.34

The full story

On October 5, 2026, anonymous activists vandalized Cornell University's Day Hall in Ithaca, New York, smashing a glass door and painting messages condemning the university's handling of an alleged 2024 gang rape. Later that day, students, faculty, and other demonstrators gathered at a campus plaza, then marched to Day Hall, to protest the university's response to the allegations. Organizers included Students for a Democratic Cornell and the Ithaca College Young Feminist Coalition. Protesters demanded the expulsion of alleged perpetrators, the abolition of Greek life, and an overhaul of the student disciplinary system. Cornell Vice President Kyle Kimball stated the university was investigating the vandalism and that damaging property was not the answer.

Timeline

  1. By Monday afternoon, the graffiti on Day Hall was washed off, and a sign indicated the entrance was temporarily closed.37

  2. Cornell Vice President Kyle Kimball stated the university was investigating the vandalism and that property damage was not the answer.34

  3. Students, faculty, and others gathered at a campus plaza, then marched to Day Hall, to protest the university's handling of the alleged assault.267

  4. Cornell University Police Department officers arrived at Day Hall around 3:50 a.m. to clear the scene and observe the vandalism.1

  5. Anonymous activists smashed a glass door and spray-painted messages on Cornell's Day Hall, the main administration building, around 3 a.m.1236

  6. Hundreds of Ithaca residents and students from Ithaca College and Cornell rallied downtown in support of "Jane Doe" and demanded changes.48

Pins sit on city centres, never on gathering points

Related protests