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LOUD
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Cornell students and faculty protest university's handling of sexual violence allegations

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

Is it still on?

YESDay 3 and counting, since Oct 5.

Last report · checked

Summary in three lines

Why they are protesting
Students and faculty protested Cornell University's and police's handling of alleged gang rape by fraternity members in 2024.
What they want
Protesters demanded the university president's resignation, an external inquiry, independent hearings, and uniform sanctions for sexual assaults.
What changed
Oct 6: Cornell University announced an independent review into its sexual misconduct policies led by former U.S. Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates.
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Both sides

What protesters want

  • Resignation of Cornell President Michael Kotlikoff
  • Overhaul how sexual assault allegations are handled
  • External inquiry into the administration's handling of the matter
  • Independent hearings and uniform minimum sanctions for all sexual assaults on campus
  • Expel or revoke degrees of any student found complicit in the alleged gang rape

Organised by: Students, Faculty members

What authorities say

Cornell University announced on October 6 that former U.S. Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates would lead an independent review into the school's sexual misconduct policies and campus response. The Board of Trustees stated the review would examine the university's handling of reports, campus police investigations, Greek life oversight,…4

The numbers

Only figures a source states, with who said it. Estimates often differ.

Crowd
1,000+
more than 1,000 furious protesters descended on campus3

The full story

Students and faculty members at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, held protests over the university's and police's handling of alleged gang rape by fraternity members in 2024. Protesters called for the resignation of Cornell President Michael Kotlikoff and demanded an overhaul of how sexual assault allegations are handled. They also sought an external inquiry, independent hearings, uniform minimum sanctions for sexual assaults, better training for campus police, and the expulsion or revocation of degrees for complicit students. In response, Cornell University announced an independent review into its sexual misconduct policies, to be led by former U.S. Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates.

Timeline

  1. Cornell University announced that former U.S. Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates would lead an independent review into its sexual misconduct policies.4

  2. The faculty senate announced plans to vote on a resolution of no confidence in Cornell's administrators.3

  3. Cornell President Michael Kotlikoff addressed a student assembly meeting, defending the university's actions.3

  4. Protesters called for the resignation of Cornell President Michael Kotlikoff and an overhaul of sexual assault handling.12

  5. Students and faculty held a mass rally at Cornell University protesting the handling of alleged gang rape allegations.12

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