Cornell University's Chi Phi fraternity chapter, a campus fixture for over a century, now faces a lawsuit from a woman identified as Jane Doe, who alleges she was repeatedly raped at the chapter house in Ithaca, N. Y. in October 2024. The lawsuit claims fraternity members drugged her with ketamine, marijuana, rum, and beer before assaulting her.

Within hours, one member allegedly messaged others to join the assaults. No criminal charges were initially filed, but the local district attorney announced Monday he is reconsidering the case. Cornell imposed an interim suspension in November 2024 after President Michael I.

Kotlikoff addressed the campus about "serious and deeply disturbing allegations of drug abuse and sexual violence." About one-third of Cornell undergraduates participate in Greek life, one of the highest rates in the Ivy League. Gray Fuller, a Cornell senior, said fraternity parties are used for "cutting loose — and for taking advantage of people." Delphi Lyra, 21, a junior, called for banning all fraternities, stating "Frats are an unsafe place for people to be in." Chi Phi, founded in 1824, is considered the nation's oldest fraternity with dozens of chapters nationwide. The chapter previously had a 2000 incident involving duct tape used on pledges, which was later deemed a prank.