Cornell 7 case puts a spotlight on fraternity misconduct – and the limits of universities’ power to stop it

While universities can suspend and expel students for committing sexual violence and other kinds of illegal misconduct, they face logistical and financial limits to preventing such behavior.

By: Pietro A. Sasso, Old Dominion University, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: October 7, 2026

Words: 1,188

Last Updated: 1 week, 4 days ago

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By Pietro A. Sasso, Old Dominion University

Universities have been trying for years to cut back on the abuses among fraternities, with limited resources and limited success.

A new lawsuit, filed by a former Cornell University student in September 2026, is now rattling higher education and drawing national attention.

The person, identified as Jane Doe, has alleged that seven Chi Phi fraternity members drugged and gang-raped her at an on-campus fraternity house when she …

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