Ithaca halts Cornell event permits over rape allegations

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 8 Oct, 15:19 · Archive

Ithaca Common Council voted to ban Cornell University from obtaining new city permits for events, citing safety concerns after a student's rape allegations.

Ithaca Common Council voted 9-1 on Wednesday night to impose a temporary moratorium on new event permits for Cornell University and its affiliated student organisations, including fraternities, sororities and general student groups. The measure blocks permits for assemblies, parades, special events and noise permits, effective immediately. The moratorium is set to expire on 5 November, although the council can choose to renew it monthly.

The measure was prompted by a civil lawsuit filed in September by a former Cornell student, identified as Jane Doe, who alleges she was drugged and gang-raped by seven Chi Phi fraternity members on the night of 19 October 2024 and into the following morning. According to Fox News, she alleges she arrived at the fraternity house already intoxicated, after which the men pressured her into taking ketamine and other substances. The men have denied wrongdoing, with some maintaining the sexual activity was consensual and others denying they participated. She reported the alleged assault to Cornell University Police Department three weeks later; the department referred her allegations to the district attorney, who decided not to pursue charges.

Mayor Robert Cantelmo said the council adopted the moratorium 'based on substantial concerns for the safety, health, and welfare of the residents of, and visitors to, the city of Ithaca.' The council also amended the moratorium to call on Cornell to refer investigations of violent and sexual crimes to the Ithaca Police Department, although Fox News notes it is unclear how this requirement will be enforced. Some graduate students raised concerns that the moratorium was overly broad and could disrupt activities unrelated to Greek life.

How it is being reported

• Ithaca council halts Cornell event permits amid scrutiny over handling of rape allegationsIthaca Common Council voted 9-1 to block Cornell University permits over the school's handling of Jane Doe's rape allegations against fraternity members.Fox News · 8 Oct, 14:33
• Ithaca council passes moratorium on new Cornell events permitsThe mayor proposed the moratorium on campus events in the wake of a civil lawsuit filed last month by a former Cornell student who alleged she was drugged and gang-raped in 2024.CBS News · 8 Oct, 14:31

In this story: Cornell University · Ithaca · Ithaca Common Council · Chi Phi · Ithaca Police Department · Jane Doe · Robert Cantelmo

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