Drugged and raped by 7 'frat bros' for hours: Ex-student sues Cornell University

A former Cornell University student has sued the university and seven members of Chi Phi, a fraternity at the US university, alleging she was drugged and raped by them at a fraternity house in October 2024, CBS News reported. According to the student's lawyer, only two of seven accused were expelled, while others received suspensions or were made to write essays as punishment.

The woman, identified as Jane Doe in the lawsuit, was 20 at the time. She alleged that after drinking at her sorority and a nightclub, she went alone to the Chi Phi house in Ithaca late on October 19 to visit a friend. According to the complaint, two fraternity members gave her a substance they said was ketamine before raping her.

One of the men allegedly then posted a message in a Snapchat group chat called “Chi Phi Actives” saying there was “free p----” upstairs. The accused have been identified as – Matthew Ingalls, Jonathan Newell, Winston Lee, Gillio Lopes, Diego Sarabia, Scott Norris and Scott Kretzschmar.

The lawsuit alleges that other fraternity members subsequently entered the room and raped Doe, with the assault continuing until around 5:45 am. Doe reported the assault to Cornell University Police about three weeks later, according to CBS News.

Doe's attorney, Thomas Giuffra, said only two of the seven accused were expelled, while the others received lesser punishments, such as suspensions, attending workshops or writing essays. None of the seven were arrested, Giuffra said.

WHAT HAPPENED AFTER COMPLAINT

Cornell conducted an internal investigation into the incident that involved at least 12 hearings. “Not one of these guys was arrested,” Giuffra told CBS News.

The Tompkins County District Attorney's Office said it reviewed the police investigation but determined there was insufficient evidence to support criminal charges.

Doe subsequently left Cornell after the incident, Giuffra said. “There were so many people that could have prevented it and they didn't,” he added.

CORNELL'S RESPONSE

Cornell said its Office of Civil Rights and Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards investigated and adjudicated the allegations under university policies.

The university said the Xi chapter of Chi Phi remains barred from campus. It cited federal privacy laws in declining to disclose specific disciplinary action involving individual students and said it would respond through the legal process.

Cornell also said it launched a task force on sexual assault following the incident and has since made changes to its policies and resources.

WHAT CHI PHI SAID ABOUT INCIDENT

Chi Phi's national headquarters told CBS News that Doe's rape allegations were “deeply concerning” and said the fraternity unequivocally condemns sexual violence.

The organisation said its principles of “Truth, Honour and Personal Integrity” require members to respect the dignity and safety of others. It declined to discuss the specific allegations because litigation is pending, but said it takes the matter seriously and would respect a fair legal process.

The lawsuit accused Cornell and the other defendants of negligence, breach of contract and violations of state law. Doe is seeking compensatory and punitive damages, though the complaint does not specify an amount.

The seven men named in the lawsuit have not been criminally charged in connection with the allegations.