Cornell University has faced criticism regarding its sexual education materials, which some claim have contributed to a recent fraternity scandal. In 2019, Cornell Health published a document titled "Yes, No, Maybe So: A Sexual Inventory Stocklist," which includes various sexual activities and asks students to indicate their interest in them. Among the activities listed are engaging in sexual acts with three or more partners and having casual or non-exclusive sexual relationships. The checklist also mentions initiating sex while under the influence of alcohol or drugs and discussing one's sex life with others.
Additional materials recommended by Cornell Health for display in dorms include worksheets on sexual pleasure and mutual touching. The university encouraged resident advisors to display these materials until April, according to an archived Cornell Sexual Health campaign website.
The criticism intensified following a civil lawsuit filed in September by a former student, referred to as Jane Doe, who alleged she was drugged and gang-raped by seven members of the Chi Phi fraternity in October 2024. The lawsuit claims she experienced non-consensual sex with multiple men while intoxicated. Text messages from the fraternity members reportedly included derogatory comments about the incident.
Jared Lederman, a Cornell senior who reported on the checklist, stated that the university's promotion of such sexual activities creates a "permission structure" that could lead to non-consensual encounters. He clarified that while Cornell is not directly responsible for the alleged gang rape, the endorsement of group sexual activities could contribute to ambiguous consent issues.
Critics, including Bethany Mandel, co-host of The Mom Wars podcast, argue that the checklist exemplifies the consequences of progressive policies that blur the lines of safe sexual relationships. Cornell University has not responded to requests for comment.