Cornell University has hired former U.S. Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates to head a comprehensive internal probe evaluating how the Ivy League institution manages claims of sexual misconduct across its campus. The initiative, commissioned by a special committee of the school’s Board of Trustees, comes amid growing scrutiny over the university’s handling of campus safety, institutional accountability, and Greek life oversight.

The independent examination follows widespread student demonstrations sparked by a recent federal lawsuit involving an alleged October 2024 assault at a Chi Phi fraternity house. While those accused have denied the assertions and no criminal charges were brought by local prosecutors, the victim’s civil action named both the individuals and the university as defendants. In response to criticism surrounding initial investigations, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul previously directed State Attorney General Letitia James to conduct a separate criminal inquiry.

Yates, a partner at King & Spalding who served as the U.S. deputy attorney general under President Barack Obama, will scrutinize institutional administrative policies, victim support resources, campus police operations, and disciplinary adjudication procedures. Her investigation will also assess administrative oversight of fraternities and sororities alongside the university’s protocols for coordinating with outside law enforcement entities and prosecutors.

In a public release announcing the retention, board leadership explained the primary objectives of the external evaluation. Anne Meinig Smalling, chair of Cornell’s Board of Trustees, said in a statement: “Sally Yates brings extraordinary experience, independence and judgment to this work. The questions raised by the Jane Doe matter warrant a rigorous examination of Cornell’s response to that case, but our responsibility is broader. We have asked Ms. Yates and her team to examine Cornell’s overall approach to preventing and responding to sexual misconduct, identify where we are doing things well and where we can do better, and recommend changes that will help make our community safer.” She will also examine the school’s policies related to how it “prevents and responds to sexual harassment, sexual assault and related misconduct on campus.”

University officials defended their earlier actions, highlighting that a previous internal Title IX investigation led to suspensions, expulsions, and the permanent closure of the fraternity chapter involved. Kyle Kimball, vice president for university relations, reiterated that “Any suggestion that the university did not impose consequential punishments for those involved is false”. The Board of Trustees confirmed that the findings and recommendations resulting from Yates’ review will be published to the campus community upon completion.

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