Cornell University selected Sally Yates and the law firm King & Spalding to conduct an independent review of its handling of sexual assault allegations connected to an October 2024 incident at a Chi Phi fraternity house, Fox News reported.
A civil lawsuit filed last month by a woman identified as Jane Doe alleges that she was drugged and sexually assaulted by seven Chi Phi members after a party. One defendant, Jonathan Newell, was expelled following Cornell's Title IX investigation, according to the woman's lawyer, Thomas Giuffra. Giuffra said the hearing panel found that Newell began intercourse without affirmative consent.
Fox News reported that the review team will receive access to Cornell internal documents, including case files, Greek-organization oversight records, communications with law enforcement and disciplinary materials. The New York Post separately reported on past Cornell sexual-education materials and criticism of them.