Cornell University announced Tuesday it has retained former Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates to conduct a comprehensive independent review of the institution’s handling of sexual misconduct allegations, including a 2024 sexual assault case that has drawn significant public scrutiny.
The review, announced by university officials, will examine not only the specific incident involving an alleged assault at a fraternity house, but will also assess the university’s broader framework for preventing and responding to sexual harassment, sexual assault, and related misconduct across campus.
The decision comes as Cornell faces mounting pressure over its response to an alleged gang rape case in which no criminal charges were filed. The university has been the subject of intense criticism and on-campus demonstrations from students and others demanding accountability and systemic reform.
Yates will conduct her review separately from the ongoing criminal investigation being led by a special prosecutor. Her mandate will encompass Cornell’s policies, practices, and resources spanning the complete spectrum of prevention and response mechanisms.
Anne Meinig Smalling, chair of Cornell’s Board of Trustees, addressed the appointment directly. “Sally Yates brings extraordinary experience, independence and judgment to this work,” Smalling stated. “The questions raised by the Jane Doe matter warrant a rigorous examination of Cornell’s response to that case, but our responsibility is broader.”
The scope of the review extends beyond reactive measures. Smalling emphasized the university has asked Yates and her team to evaluate Cornell’s comprehensive approach to preventing sexual misconduct, identify areas of strength and weakness, and provide concrete recommendations for enhancing campus safety.
Upon completion, Yates will present her findings to a special committee of the Board of Trustees. The university has indicated its intention to share the results and recommendations with the broader Cornell community, demonstrating a commitment to transparency in addressing these serious concerns.
“It is imperative that Cornell be willing to examine itself with the same rigor we expect of others,” Smalling said. “We want to understand not just what happened in 2024, but how Cornell can become a leader in preventing sexual violence, supporting those who come forward and responding to allegations rigorously, fairly and compassionately.”
Yates brings substantial experience to this undertaking. She served in the Justice Department for decades before her tenure ended in 2017, when President Donald Trump dismissed her after she declined to defend an immigration executive order she deemed potentially unlawful. The White House characterized her refusal as declining to enforce a legal order designed to protect American citizens.
Since entering private practice, Yates has conducted high-profile investigations into allegations of abuse, misconduct, and harassment, including a notable review at the National Women’s Soccer League.
The independent review represents Cornell’s most significant institutional response to date regarding the controversy that has engulfed the campus. Whether it will satisfy critics demanding substantive change remains to be seen, but the university has committed to a thorough examination of its systems and procedures.
The outcome of this review may well set a precedent for how major universities address sexual misconduct allegations in an era of heightened accountability and public scrutiny.
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