Cornell University Appoints Sally Yates for Investigation

Former U.S. Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates will lead an independent investigation into how Cornell University managed the rape allegations of a former student. The university has named Yates to head an internal review regarding the handling of these claims.

The investigation follows a lawsuit filed by a former student, referred to as Jane Doe, accusing several individuals of drugging and sexually assaulting her at a campus fraternity house in 2024. Jane Doe also asserts deficiencies in how Cornell addressed her complaint.

Yates, a partner at King & Spalding, has been selected by a Special Committee on Cornell’s Board of Trustees. Her examination will include an assessment of the university’s policies concerning sexual harassment, sexual assault, and related misconduct.

Anne Meinig Smalling, the committee’s chair, highlighted Yates’s qualifications. She emphasized the importance of the investigation, both regarding Jane Doe’s case and the broader responsibility to improve sexual misconduct policies.

“Sally Yates brings extraordinary experience, independence and judgment,” said Smalling. “Our task is to scrutinize Cornell’s responses and recommend changes to enhance community safety.”

In the civil suit, Doe claims that seven men assaulted her for several hours, although no criminal charges have been pursued. The accused have denied all allegations.

Cornell faces accusations in Doe’s lawsuit as well. The university asserts that an investigation was conducted by Cornell University Police and led to disciplinary actions under Title IX policy.

With the lawsuit’s continuation, student protests have emerged, challenging Cornell’s handling of the case. New York Governor Kathy Hochul has tasked state Attorney General Letitia James with leading a criminal probe, following criticism of campus police and local prosecutor, Matthew Van Houten.

This situation has sparked broader discourse about consent and sexual assault in higher education settings.