Cornell Halts Fraternity Events, Calls in State Police After Sexual Assault Reports

By Billy Briefman · October 14, 2026 · 2 min read read

Cornell Suspends Fraternity Events Following Reports of Sexual Assault and Drugging Originally reported by AP Virginia (Google News). AP Virginia (Google News) Cornell University officials...

Cornell Suspends Fraternity Events Following Reports of Sexual Assault and Drugging

Originally reported by AP Virginia (Google News). AP Virginia (Google News)

Cornell University officials suspended all fraternity parties and social activities following multiple reports of sexual assault and drugging at off-campus residences, requesting New York State Police assistance to investigate the allegations, according to campus leadership.

Immediate Suspension of Greek Social Life

The decision to halt social gatherings follows a series of alerts issued to the campus community regarding incidents reported between Friday and Sunday. According to university officials, at least four students reported being drugged without their consent at fraternity-related events. Additionally, the Cornell Police Department received a report of a sexual assault occurring at an off-campus house Friday night.

University President Martha E. Pollack and Vice President for Student and Campus Life Ryan Lombardi issued a joint statement addressing the severity of the reports. The administration described the behavior as "horrific" and said the Interfraternity Council (IFC) voluntarily agreed to the suspension of all social activities.

"We are appalled by these reports and the impact they have on our students and our community," Pollack and Lombardi said in the joint statement. "The safety of our students is our highest priority."

State Police Involvement and Investigation

While the Cornell Police Department typically handles campus-related incidents, the university formally requested that the New York State Police lead the investigation into the drugging allegations. This move aims to provide additional resources and expertise to the ongoing inquiries, the university administration said.

The IFC, which represents over 30 fraternities at the Ithaca, NY, campus, confirmed it will work with the university to implement new safety protocols before social activities can resume. The suspension remains in effect indefinitely as the investigation continues.

University officials urged anyone with information regarding the incidents to contact law enforcement. The administration also reminded students of available support services, including the university’s victim advocacy program and counseling resources.

This article is based on reporting originally published by AP Virginia (Google News). Channel RVA provides this coverage with additional local context for the Richmond community.