Cornell administration building vandalized following fraternity sexual assault lawsuit

The short version

• Activists damaged Cornell University's Day Hall overnight, smashing glass and painting protest slogans.[The Guardian · Al Jazeera]
• The demonstration followed a civil lawsuit accusing members of the Chi Phi fraternity of an October 2024 sexual assault.[Associated Press · The Guardian · Al Jazeera]
• New York Governor Kathy Hochul named the state attorney general as special prosecutor to investigate the allegations.[Associated Press · The Guardian]
• Cornell leadership said the school will review Greek life on campus while investigating the building damage.[The Guardian · Al Jazeera]

Key facts

• Activists vandalized Cornell University's Day Hall early Monday by shattering a glass door and writing protest graffiti on walls.[The Guardian · Al Jazeera]
• The protest stems from a lawsuit filed by a former student alleging she was gang-raped at the Chi Phi fraternity house in October 2024.[Associated Press · The Guardian · Al Jazeera]
• New York Governor Kathy Hochul appointed State Attorney General Letitia James as special prosecutor to handle the investigation.[Associated Press · The Guardian]
• Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten stated that lawsuit allegations differed markedly from the student's initial police statement.[The Guardian]
• Cornell President Michael Kotlikoff announced the institution would evaluate the role of fraternities and sororities in campus life.[The Guardian]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• Students vandalize Cornell building over handling of gang-rape allegationsThe Guardian - US
• ‘Smash the patriarchy’: Activists graffiti Cornell hall over gang rape caseAl Jazeera
• Cornell building is sprayed with graffiti blasting school’s response to gang rape complaintAssociated Press · Wire: associated-press