For nearly two years, the criminal question surrounding an alleged sexual assault at Cornell University appeared settled. Then the allegations became national news.
On Monday, Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten announced that his office would revisit allegations that a former Cornell student was sexually assaulted by multiple members of the Chi Phi fraternity in October 2024. The decision followed a September 14 civil lawsuit that brought new attention—and substantially different allegations—to the case.
Although reopening the case does not prove a crime occurred, especially given that no criminal charges have been announced, the development raises a simple question. Why did it take this long and this much media attention for authorities to take another look?
Because colleges want to sweep title 9 cases under the rug.