Ithaca Council Halts Cornell Permits in 9-1 Vote as Rape Case Scrutiny Deepens
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Oct 8
Ithaca Council Halts Cornell Permits in 9-1 Vote as Rape Case Scrutiny Deepens
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Oct 8
Summary
A 9-1 Ithaca Common Council vote late Wednesday imposed a moratorium on new city permits for Cornell and affiliated student groups, including fraternities, through Nov. 5.
The move blocks permits for assemblies, parades, special events at the Ithaca Commons and some noise-permit activities, after criticism of Cornell's handling of a former student's rape allegations.
The measure also says Cornell should refer sexual and violent crime investigations to Ithaca police, though enforcement remains unclear; some graduate students warned the restrictions could disrupt unrelated events and conferences.
The scrutiny stems from a September lawsuit accusing seven former Chi Phi members of drugging and raping Jane Doe in October 2024, allegations the men deny.
Gov. Kathy Hochul last week appointed Attorney General Letitia James as special prosecutor after the district attorney reopened the case, and one accused man has now asked a court to remove James for alleged bias.