Cornell 7: Expulsions, Reflection Papers and a Reopened Investigation

It's 1:42 a.m., and the Chi Phi fraternity's Snapchat group at Chi Phi fraternity's Snapchat group at Chi Phi fraternity's Snapchat group at Cornell is literally Cornell is literally Cornell is literally exploding with notifications exploding with notifications . There are over 50 brothers in this group . There are over 50 brothers in this group . There are over 50 brothers in this group , and they , and they , and they are watching a are watching a are watching a flood of messages flood of messages flood of messages advertising advertising advertising free parties free parties free parties at the fraternity house. at the fraternity house. That evening in 2024 That evening in 2024 turned into turned into turned into an investigation an investigation an investigation into a sexual into a sexual into a sexual assault case that had been assault case that had been assault case that had been kept kept kept secret for years. Few secret for years. Few secret for years. Few students or even students or even students or even faculty at Cornell faculty at Cornell faculty at Cornell knew what really knew what really knew what really happened until happened until happened until the student at the center of the student at the center of the student at the center of the events, Jane Doe, the events, Jane Doe, the events, Jane Doe, recently filed a recently filed a recently filed a high-profile lawsuit with high-profile lawsuit with high-profile lawsuit with details that are details that are details that are impossible to ignore impossible to ignore . . . Justice for Justice for Justice for Jane Doe. Jane Doe. Jane Doe. Justice for Justice for Justice for Jane Doe. Jane Doe. This lawsuit not only This lawsuit not only prompted the prompted the prompted the reopening of the reopening of the reopening of the criminal criminal criminal investigation, but also investigation, but also investigation, but also sparked a sparked a sparked a national national national outcry with demands for outcry with demands for outcry with demands for systemic changes in systemic changes in systemic changes in sentencing and sentencing and sentencing and the culture of responding the culture of responding the culture of responding to to to sexual sexual sexual assault cases. At the same time, assault cases. At the same time, assault cases. At the same time, this case has also become the this case has also become the this case has also become the subject of numerous subject of numerous subject of numerous controversies. So we controversies. So we controversies. So we decided to figure all this out decided to figure all this out decided to figure all this out .

. . Warning: This Warning: This Warning: This episode contains episode contains episode contains discussion of discussion of discussion of disturbing disturbing disturbing allegations and allegations and allegations and sexual sexual sexual assault. Crime Junkies, I'm assault. Crime Junkies, I'm assault. Crime Junkies, I'm Brianna Whitney, and in Brianna Whitney, and in Brianna Whitney, and in this this this week's headlines, we'll take you through week's headlines, we'll take you through week's headlines, we'll take you through our investigation into the our investigation into the Cornell Seven Cornell Seven and and and what we've what we've what we've learned. It was learned. It was learned. It was October 2024 at October 2024 at October 2024 at Cornell Cornell Cornell University, one University, one University, one of the most prestigious Ivy League of the most prestigious Ivy League of the most prestigious Ivy League institutions in the institutions in the institutions in the country. The campus country. The campus country. The campus is located in is located in is located in upstate upstate upstate New York, so New York, so New York, so this is usually one of the this is usually one of the this is usually one of the best times of the best times of the best times of the year. The campus is bustling, there is a year. The campus is bustling, there is a year. The campus is bustling, there is a picturesque picturesque picturesque autumn atmosphere everywhere, autumn atmosphere everywhere, autumn atmosphere everywhere, just perfect. But just perfect. But just perfect. But Cindy Rene Granillo, Cindy Rene Granillo, Cindy Rene Granillo, a student at that a student at that a student at that university, university, university, told me that told me that everything everything changed for her and her classmates when a crime changed for her and her classmates when a crime alert from the alert from the university appeared on their phones university appeared on their phones university appeared on their phones . It . It . It was about an alleged was about an alleged was about an alleged rape in a rape in a fraternity on fraternity on campus. According to a campus. According to a campus. According to a report in the report in the Cornell Daily Sun student newspaper at the time, the Cornell Daily Sun student newspaper at the time, the notice notice notice stated that someone had stated that someone had stated that someone had reported reported reported sexual sexual sexual assault by assault by assault by multiple men and being multiple men and being multiple men and being forced to use forced to use forced to use ketamine and other ketamine and other ketamine and other drugs at a drugs at a drugs at a fraternity house. And fraternity house. And fraternity house. And the activities of this the activities of this the activities of this brotherhood were brotherhood were brotherhood were temporarily temporarily temporarily suspended. The street suspended. The street suspended. The street listed on the listed on the listed on the crime report meant crime report meant crime report meant it could only be it could only be it could only be one of two fraternities: one of two fraternities: one of two fraternities: Lambda Chi Alpha or Chi Phi.

Lambda Chi Alpha or Chi Phi. Cindy Renee told Cindy Renee told me that almost immediately me that almost immediately me that almost immediately people started asking, " people started asking, " Which house?" Which house?" »"Who did this happen to?" »"Who did this happen to?" »"Who did this happen to?" As rumors As rumors As rumors spread like spread like wildfire, many on wildfire, many on campus campus campus learned pretty quickly that learned pretty quickly that learned pretty quickly that it had happened at the it had happened at the it had happened at the Chi Phi house, as well as who the Chi Phi house, as well as who the Chi Phi house, as well as who the victim was. This was a victim was. This was a victim was. This was a person Cindy person Cindy person Cindy Renee had been friends with on the Renee had been friends with on the Renee had been friends with on the course. She said she course. She said she course. She said she didn't want to add to didn't want to add to didn't want to add to the chaos, so she just the chaos, so she just the chaos, so she just texted her friend to texted her friend to see how she was doing. In see how she was doing. In response, she response, she response, she received received received a message that she was a message that she was a message that she was fine, but the situation was fine, but the situation was fine, but the situation was very difficult. Cindy very difficult. Cindy very difficult. Cindy Renee continued to see Renee continued to see Renee continued to see her friend for her friend for her friend for a while until she a while until she a while until she simply stopped simply stopped simply stopped going to classes and going to classes and going to classes and eventually eventually eventually dropped out of Cornell altogether. And dropped out of Cornell altogether. And dropped out of Cornell altogether. And as for what happened as for what happened as for what happened to the men to the men to the men involved, involved, involved, the investigation the investigation the investigation seemed to simply seemed to simply seemed to simply disappear from the radar, disappear from the radar, disappear from the radar, at least publicly. at least publicly. at least publicly. According to Cindy Renee According to Cindy Renee , the situation went , the situation went , the situation went from being something everyone from being something everyone from being something everyone was talking about to complete was talking about to complete was talking about to complete silence almost silence almost silence almost overnight. And no one overnight. And no one overnight. And no one really really really discussed how it all discussed how it all discussed how it all ended. For almost ended. For almost ended. For almost two years, this story two years, this story two years, this story remained in the shadows.

remained in the shadows. But behind the scenes there But behind the scenes there were student were student were student journalists who journalists who journalists who never left the never left the never left the cause. Professor cause. Professor cause. Professor Kate Mann, who Kate Mann, who Kate Mann, who has taught philosophy at has taught philosophy at has taught philosophy at Cornell for 13 years, Cornell for 13 years, Cornell for 13 years, told me that she told me that she told me that she interviewed the interviewed the interviewed the editor-in-chief of the editor-in-chief of the editor-in-chief of the student newspaper, the student newspaper, the student newspaper, the Cornell Daily Sun, for her Cornell Daily Sun, for her Cornell Daily Sun, for her own Substack. And here's own Substack. And here's own Substack. And here's what she learned. what she learned. Sun reporters Sun reporters led by Sophia Dasser led by Sophia Dasser led by Sophia Dasser and Seriz Kasba had and Seriz Kasba had and Seriz Kasba had actually actually actually been working on been working on been working on the the the case and the results of the case and the results of the Title IX investigation for years. A quick Title IX investigation for years. A quick reminder of reminder of reminder of what happens during a what happens during a Title IX investigation: When someone Title IX investigation: When someone files a formal files a formal files a formal complaint of sexual complaint of sexual complaint of sexual harassment, harassment, harassment, the university the university the university conducts conducts conducts an investigation, an investigation, an investigation, determines determines determines guilt, writes a guilt, writes a guilt, writes a final report, and final report, and final report, and then imposes then imposes then imposes punishment based on punishment based on punishment based on its findings. So its findings. So , the Sun reporters were , the Sun reporters were , the Sun reporters were almost ready almost ready almost ready to publish their to publish their to publish their article in late article in late article in late spring or early spring or early spring or early summer with everything they summer with everything they summer with everything they learned about the learned about the learned about the results of the results of the results of the Title IX investigation Title IX investigation Title IX investigation and the university task force and the university task force it created. But, as Professor Mann told me, they have Professor Mann told me, they have suspended suspended suspended publication. Why?

publication. Why? It turned out that the woman at It turned out that the woman at the center of the story, the center of the story, the center of the story, known as Jane Doe, known as Jane Doe, known as Jane Doe, asked them asked them asked them to wait a few to wait a few to wait a few weeks because she weeks because she weeks because she was going to file a was going to file a was going to file a lawsuit and wanted lawsuit and wanted lawsuit and wanted them to add it to them to add it to them to add it to their article. And on their article. And on their article. And on September 16, 2026, this September 16, 2026, this September 16, 2026, this civil lawsuit was civil lawsuit was civil lawsuit was filed in the filed in the New York State Supreme Court. It New York State Supreme Court. It was over 100 was over 100 was over 100 pages long. What he pages long. What he pages long. What he discovered was, to put it mildly, a discovered was, to put it mildly, a discovered was, to put it mildly, a real real real bombshell. So let's bombshell. So let's bombshell. So let's deal with it deal with it deal with it together. The victim together. The victim together. The victim is identified only is identified only is identified only as Jane Doe, but the as Jane Doe, but the as Jane Doe, but the lawsuit lawsuit lawsuit names not only names not only names not only Cornell Cornell Cornell University and Kai Phi as defendants, but University and Kai Phi as defendants, but University and Kai Phi as defendants, but also seven Kai Phi brothers: also seven Kai Phi brothers: also seven Kai Phi brothers: Matthew Engles, Jonathan Matthew Engles, Jonathan Matthew Engles, Jonathan Newell, Winston Lee, Newell, Winston Lee, Newell, Winston Lee, Giglio Lopez, Diego Giglio Lopez, Diego Giglio Lopez, Diego Sarabia, Scott Norris Sarabia, Scott Norris Sarabia, Scott Norris and Scott Kretschmar. They and Scott Kretschmar. They and Scott Kretschmar. They began to be called the " began to be called the " Cornell Seven. Cornell Seven. " And it's worth noting " And it's worth noting " And it's worth noting that, according to the that, according to the that, according to the New York Times, all of these New York Times, all of these New York Times, all of these men deny men deny men deny any any any wrongdoing. They wrongdoing. They wrongdoing. They stated that they had stated that they had stated that they had either a consensual relationship with Jane Doe either a consensual relationship with Jane Doe or no or no contact at all. But, contact at all. But, contact at all. But, according to the lawsuit, according to the lawsuit, according to the lawsuit, Jane Doe claims Jane Doe claims Jane Doe claims that on October 19, 2024, and that on October 19, 2024, and that on October 19, 2024, and in the early hours of the 20th, in the early hours of the 20th, in the early hours of the 20th, things were things were things were completely completely completely different. She said she had different. She said she had different. She said she had already been drinking already been drinking already been drinking before going to a before going to a before going to a sorority event sorority event at Mooney's Bar, Mooney's Bar, Mooney's Bar, which is also named in the which is also named in the which is also named in the lawsuit. She was 20 lawsuit. She was 20 lawsuit. She was 20 years old, so the bouncer years old, so the bouncer years old, so the bouncer put crosses on her arms put crosses on her arms put crosses on her arms to to to indicate that she was indicate that she was indicate that she was a minor. But in the a minor. But in the a minor. But in the lawsuit, she lawsuit, she lawsuit, she noted that the bar

noted that the bar noted that the bar still sold her still sold her still sold her at least one drink. at least one drink. at least one drink. Then at about 10:00 a.m. Then at about 10:00 a.m. Then at about 10:00 a.m. she went to another she went to another she went to another bar, and at 11:00 p.m. she bar, and at 11:00 p.m. she bar, and at 11:00 p.m. she went to meet went to meet went to meet her friend, her friend, her friend, defendant Matthew defendant Matthew defendant Matthew Engles, at Kai Engles, at Kai Engles, at Kai Phi's house. At that point, Phi's house. At that point, Phi's house. At that point, she said, she had she said, she had she said, she had had about 10 had about 10 had about 10 drinks in 3 hours, drinks in 3 hours, drinks in 3 hours, so she was very drunk. so she was very drunk. so she was very drunk. According to the lawsuit, According to the lawsuit, According to the lawsuit, when she arrived at when she arrived at when she arrived at Kai Phi, Matt took her Kai Phi, Matt took her Kai Phi, Matt took her aside after aside after aside after they had been drinking and dancing they had been drinking and dancing and asked if she wanted to have a and asked if she wanted to have a threesome with one of threesome with one of his his his fraternity brothers. Jane Doe fraternity brothers. Jane Doe fraternity brothers. Jane Doe said that what said that what said that what ultimately happened was a ultimately happened was a ultimately happened was a gang gang gang rape that rape that rape that lasted for hours. lasted for hours. She said that She said that in addition to drinking in addition to drinking in addition to drinking alcohol and smoking alcohol and smoking alcohol and smoking marijuana, she marijuana, she marijuana, she was forced was forced was forced to take ketamine for hours, which to take ketamine for hours, which to take ketamine for hours, which she had never she had never she had never done before, and done before, and other other fraternity members joined in on the sexual acts, to which fraternity members joined in on the sexual acts, to which fraternity members joined in on the sexual acts, to which she did not consent she did not consent she did not consent because she was because she was because she was too incapacitated too incapacitated . Then at 1:42 a.m., one . Then at 1:42 a.m., one . Then at 1:42 a.m., one of the defendants, of the defendants, of the defendants, Jonathan Newell, Jonathan Newell, Jonathan Newell, sent sent sent a message to a a message to a Kai Phi Snapchat group of Kai Phi Snapchat group of Kai Phi Snapchat group of over 50 people, over 50 people, over 50 people, saying, quote, " saying, quote, " Free available Free available Free available in the in the in the alumni room for anyone alumni room for anyone alumni room for anyone who wants it." And the lawsuit who wants it." And the lawsuit who wants it." And the lawsuit even includes a even includes a even includes a screenshot of that screenshot of that screenshot of that Snapchat conversation, where Snapchat conversation, where Snapchat conversation, where the other guys named the other guys named the other guys named in the lawsuit are nodding along, in the lawsuit are nodding along, in the lawsuit are nodding along, writing things like, writing things like, "I [ __ ] love Kai Phi "I [ __ ] love Kai Phi ." Jane Doe stated ." Jane Doe stated ." Jane Doe stated that at least two of that at least two of that at least two of them attacked her at the them attacked her at the them attacked her at the same time. According to same time. According to same time. According to the lawsuit, she the lawsuit, she the lawsuit, she hid under a blanket hid under a blanket hid under a blanket to cover the body, to cover the body, to cover the body, but her phone was but her phone was but her phone was across the room, across the room, across the room, so she couldn't so she couldn't so she couldn't call for call for call for help. Around 5:45 help. Around 5:45 help. Around 5:45 a.m., she said, it was

a.m., she said, it was a.m., she said, it was all over and all over and all over and she passed out. she passed out. she passed out. She woke up She woke up She woke up later that day in later that day in later that day in her dorm in a her dorm in a her dorm in a state of complete shock. There state of complete shock. There state of complete shock. There was a large bruise on her body was a large bruise on her body was a large bruise on her body and and and she started taking she started taking she started taking medication for a medication for a medication for a urinary tract infection. urinary tract infection. urinary tract infection. According to the New York Times, her According to the New York Times, her According to the New York Times, her lawyer said that lawyer said that lawyer said that she she she underwent a underwent a underwent a rape test on November 7, but rape test on November 7, but rape test on November 7, but no DNA evidence no DNA evidence no DNA evidence was found. And on was found. And on was found. And on November 8, with November 8, with November 8, with the support of friends, the support of friends, the support of friends, she reported the she reported the she reported the rape to the rape to the Cornell Cornell University police department. What University police department. What University police department. What happened next, or what happened next, or what happened next, or what didn't happen, is the didn't happen, is the didn't happen, is the moment when the story moment when the story moment when the story takes a serious, takes a serious, takes a serious, controversial controversial controversial turn. According to turn. According to turn. According to Jane Doe's lawsuit, Jane Doe's lawsuit, Jane Doe's lawsuit, after she after she after she reported reported reported the rape, the rape, the rape, the university the university the university temporarily temporarily temporarily suspended the seven suspended the seven suspended the seven defendants and the defendants and the defendants and the Phi Phi fraternity. Phi Phi fraternity. Phi Phi fraternity. But this is where the internet But this is where the internet But this is where the internet just exploded with just exploded with just exploded with rage. Some rage. Some rage. Some defendants were, I quote, defendants were, I quote, defendants were, I quote, "given the opportunity "given the opportunity "given the opportunity to mitigate the consequences of to mitigate the consequences of to mitigate the consequences of their conduct" their conduct" their conduct" by writing essays by writing essays by writing essays for Cornell for Cornell for Cornell University. The University. The University. The lawsuit itself did not lawsuit itself did not lawsuit itself did not specify exactly how much specify exactly how much specify exactly how much . Essay as . Essay as . Essay as punishment for punishment for punishment for alleged gang alleged gang alleged gang sexual sexual sexual assault? This assault? This assault? This sparked a furious sparked a furious sparked a furious outcry, and was one of the outcry, and was one of the outcry, and was one of the first aspects of the first aspects of the first aspects of the case to gain case to gain case to gain huge huge huge publicity online.

publicity online. publicity online. However, the university However, the university However, the university stated that stated that stated that much much much more was done than what is being more was done than what is being more was done than what is being reported online. reported online. reported online. They conducted a They conducted a They conducted a months-long months-long Title IX investigation that Title IX investigation that included interviews included interviews included interviews and a review of evidence in the and a review of evidence in the and a review of evidence in the case. Although they did not case. Although they did not case. Although they did not specify how many specify how many specify how many interviews were interviews were interviews were conducted and what exactly conducted and what exactly conducted and what exactly was considered was considered was considered evidence. But as a evidence. But as a evidence. But as a result, Kai Phi was result, Kai Phi was result, Kai Phi was effectively kicked off effectively kicked off effectively kicked off campus, and several campus, and several campus, and several individuals involved individuals involved individuals involved that evening were that evening were that evening were expelled. They expelled. They expelled. They also created a also created a also created a task force on task force on campus sexual assault. campus sexual assault. Now, The New York Times Now, The New York Times , after reviewing , after reviewing , after reviewing university university university files, has learned that files, has learned that files, has learned that Matthew Engles, who Matthew Engles, who Matthew Engles, who initially suggested a initially suggested a initially suggested a threesome, and threesome, and threesome, and Jonathan Noll, who Jonathan Noll, who Jonathan Noll, who sent the first sent the first sent the first Snapchat message, Snapchat message, Snapchat message, were the two who were were the two who were were the two who were expelled. The expelled. The university investigation found university investigation found Matt responsible Matt responsible Matt responsible for the sexual for the sexual for the sexual assault, and assault, and assault, and Jonathan was not only Jonathan was not only Jonathan was not only accused of it, accused of it, accused of it, but it was also confirmed that but it was also confirmed that but it was also confirmed that he sent he sent he sent the message on Snapchat. the message on Snapchat. the message on Snapchat. As for the others, As for the others, As for the others, Winston Lee was Winston Lee was Winston Lee was suspended for 2 suspended for 2 suspended for 2 years, followed by years, followed by probation. Julio probation. Julio Lopez was Lopez was Lopez was suspended for three suspended for three suspended for three semesters followed by semesters followed by semesters followed by 2 years of 2 years of probation. Diego probation. Diego Sarabia had already Sarabia had already Sarabia had already graduated, so graduated, so graduated, so Cornell banned Cornell banned Cornell banned him from him from him from campus for 3 campus for 3 campus for 3 years. And Scott Norris years. And Scott Norris years. And Scott Norris and Scott Kretschmar and Scott Kretschmar and Scott Kretschmar received received received no-contact orders, no-contact orders, no-contact orders, individualized individualized individualized instruction, and instruction, and instruction, and reflective work, reflective work, reflective work, i.e., essays. All of this i.e., essays. All of this i.e., essays. All of this begs the question: begs the question: begs the question: what exactly were they all what exactly were they all what exactly were they all found guilty of? So found guilty of? So , we know that Matt , we know that Matt , we know that Matt was found guilty of was found guilty of was found guilty of sexual sexual sexual assault. The Cornell assault. The Cornell assault. The Cornell Daily Sun, Daily Sun, Daily Sun, citing citing citing university university university documents, documents, documents, reported that reported that reported that Jonathan Jonathan Jonathan was also found guilty of was also found guilty of was also found guilty of sexual

sexual sexual assault. And assault. And assault. And based on other based on other court documents we have obtained, court documents we have obtained, we know that Scott we know that Scott we know that Scott Kretschmar was found Kretschmar was found Kretschmar was found guilty of attempted guilty of attempted guilty of attempted sexual sexual sexual exploitation. But, exploitation. But, exploitation. But, at least publicly, at least publicly, at least publicly, we don't know what the we don't know what the rest of them were found guilty of. Cindy rest of them were found guilty of. Cindy Renee told me she Renee told me she Renee told me she was in complete shock was in complete shock was in complete shock when she read the lawsuit. when she read the lawsuit. when she read the lawsuit. Remember, in 2024, the Remember, in 2024, the Remember, in 2024, the campus was all about campus was all about campus was all about rumors, and the only rumors, and the only rumors, and the only official official official information was the information was the information was the brief and brief and brief and vague vague crime report they crime report they received on their phones. received on their phones. received on their phones. So reading this So reading this So reading this lawsuit made lawsuit made lawsuit made her feel enormously sad for her her feel enormously sad for her her feel enormously sad for her friend. She friend. She friend. She assumed that the assumed that the assumed that the men involved would men involved would men involved would not only be punished, but not only be punished, but not only be punished, but that they would not that they would not that they would not receive a degree receive a degree receive a degree because of their actions, because of their actions, because of their actions, at least not from at least not from at least not from Cornell. This Cornell. This Cornell. This only affected only affected only affected two of them. But she two of them. But she two of them. But she said that other than said that other than said that other than that, she was just that, she was just that, she was just really really really confused. If confused. If Cornell's own commission found Cornell's own commission found evidence of sexual evidence of sexual evidence of sexual assault, shouldn't there have been assault, shouldn't there have been assault, shouldn't there have been arrests or arrests or arrests or charges? charges? No No criminal criminal criminal charges have been filed against any person in this case. This is where things charges have been filed against any person in this case. This is where things charges have been filed against any person in this case. This is where things get really get really get really confusing, so confusing, so confusing, so listen carefully.

listen carefully. listen carefully. Cornell said Cornell said Cornell said they have forwarded the they have forwarded the victim's affidavit and that victim's affidavit and that Snapchat screenshot to the Snapchat screenshot to the Tompkins County District Attorney's Office for Tompkins County District Attorney's Office for investigation. But investigation. But investigation. But District Attorney District Attorney District Attorney Matthew Van Houten Matthew Van Houten Matthew Van Houten said the new said the new said the new lawsuit lawsuit lawsuit is significantly different from is significantly different from is significantly different from the statement Jane Doe the statement Jane Doe the statement Jane Doe provided in 2024, which provided in 2024, which provided in 2024, which he received from the he received from the he received from the university. Van university. Van university. Van Houten said that Houten said that Houten said that Jane Doe's sworn statement Jane Doe's sworn statement Jane Doe's sworn statement at the time at the time at the time described her participation in described her participation in described her participation in drug use drug use drug use and sexual and sexual and sexual behavior as {quote} behavior as {quote} behavior as {quote} voluntary, knowing, voluntary, knowing, voluntary, knowing, and consensual. And and consensual. And and consensual. And the prosecutor issued an the prosecutor issued an the prosecutor issued an extremely long extremely long extremely long press release about what press release about what press release about what was in that statement. According to was in that statement. According to was in that statement. According to him, Jane him, Jane him, Jane Doe rated her Doe rated her Doe rated her intoxication level at intoxication level at intoxication level at five out of 10 when she five out of 10 when she five out of 10 when she arrived at Kai Phi. And Van arrived at Kai Phi. And Van arrived at Kai Phi. And Van Houten said that, Houten said that, Houten said that, judging from the statement, she judging from the statement, she judging from the statement, she agreed to a agreed to a agreed to a threesome and said that threesome and said that threesome and said that every time she every time she every time she asked for the asked for the asked for the sexual acts to stop, they sexual acts to stop, they sexual acts to stop, they stopped. Well, stopped. Well, stopped. Well, if that were the whole if that were the whole if that were the whole story, one could story, one could story, one could argue that argue that argue that the prosecutor took the evidence he the prosecutor took the evidence he the prosecutor took the evidence he had, considered it had, considered it had, considered it under under under New New York State sexual York State sexual York State sexual assault laws, and made the assault laws, and made the assault laws, and made the legal decision not to legal decision not to legal decision not to press charges press charges . That would be logical.

. That would be logical. . That would be logical. Except that's not the Except that's not the Except that's not the whole story. District whole story. District whole story. District Attorney Van Houten Attorney Van Houten Attorney Van Houten told several told several told several national national national news outlets that he had news outlets that he had news outlets that he had not even seen the not even seen the not even seen the Snapchat image, nor had he Snapchat image, nor had he Snapchat image, nor had he conducted any conducted any conducted any further further further investigation beyond the investigation beyond the investigation beyond the initial statement from initial statement from initial statement from Jane Doe. Because Jane Doe. Because Jane Doe. Because if he did, if he did, if he did, he could he could he could review review review Jane Doe's interview with Jane Doe's interview with Jane Doe's interview with Cornell campus police. And Cornell campus police. And Cornell campus police. And according to a according to a according to a transcript transcript transcript obtained by CBS News, Jane obtained by CBS News, Jane obtained by CBS News, Jane Doe told police with 100% certainty Doe told police with 100% certainty Doe told police with 100% certainty that that that she had been raped. Van she had been raped. Van she had been raped. Van Houten said he Houten said he Houten said he never even never even never even saw that saw that saw that transcript. But it transcript. But it transcript. But it also raises also raises also raises the question: Why did the question: Why did the question: Why did n't Cornell provide the n't Cornell provide the n't Cornell provide the DA's office with this DA's office with this DA's office with this police interview to begin with? I police interview to begin with? I police interview to begin with? I mean, it mean, it mean, it was extremely was extremely was extremely important. You can't important. You can't important. You can't make a decision make a decision make a decision with only half the with only half the information you need. This still information you need. This still doesn't make much doesn't make much doesn't make much sense. The university sense. The university sense. The university insists insists insists they turned over the they turned over the they turned over the affidavit and affidavit and affidavit and Snapchat messages to Snapchat messages to Snapchat messages to the prosecutor, which was the prosecutor, which was the prosecutor, which was established established established protocol if the protocol if the school's police department school's police department believed a crime may have believed a crime may have believed a crime may have occurred. So, on occurred. So, on occurred. So, on September 28, District September 28, District September 28, District Attorney Van Houten Attorney Van Houten Attorney Van Houten announced that he announced that he announced that he was reopening the was reopening the was reopening the criminal case criminal case criminal case for presentation to a for presentation to a for presentation to a grand jury. And grand jury. And grand jury. And then, just as then, just as then, just as quickly as he quickly as he quickly as he announced its announced its announced its reopening, reopening, reopening, the governor of New York the governor of New York the governor of New York said, "No, you're said, "No, you're said, "No, you're not going to be not going to be not going to be working on this anymore." On October 1, working on this anymore." On October 1, New York Governor Katie Gokul New York Governor Katie Gokul appointed appointed New York Attorney General New York Attorney General Letitia James as Letitia James as Letitia James as special special special prosecutor in the prosecutor in the prosecutor in the case. She stated case. She stated case. She stated that all recent that all recent that all recent events have undermined

events have undermined events have undermined public confidence public confidence public confidence in Van in Van in Van Gauten's ability to handle this Gauten's ability to handle this Gauten's ability to handle this case. During the case. During the case. During the press conference, she press conference, she press conference, she literally asked, " literally asked, " In what world do the police In what world do the police In what world do the police find out that a victim find out that a victim find out that a victim was gang-raped by was gang-raped by was gang-raped by a group of men in a a group of men in a a group of men in a college college college dorm and not dorm and not dorm and not report it to the district report it to the district report it to the district attorney?" And then attorney?" And then attorney?" And then she went even further and she went even further and she went even further and said, "In what said, "In what said, "In what world would the district world would the district world would the district attorney not even attorney not even attorney not even question her or any of the question her or any of the other other other participants, or even participants, or even participants, or even ask for a full ask for a full ask for a full transcript of the interview?" transcript of the interview?" transcript of the interview?" In short, In short, In short, the situation looks the situation looks the situation looks dire. But this dire. But this dire. But this case is completely case is completely case is completely shrouded in shrouded in shrouded in contradictions on contradictions on contradictions on both sides. Text both sides. Text both sides. Text messages messages messages exchanged between Jane exchanged between Jane exchanged between Jane Doe and defendants Matthew Doe and defendants Matthew Doe and defendants Matthew Ingles and Jonathan Ingles and Jonathan Ingles and Jonathan Newell Newell Newell days after the days after the days after the alleged alleged alleged sexual sexual sexual assault also assault also assault also forced a close forced a close forced a close examination of her version of examination of her version of examination of her version of events. This is events. This is events. This is a report, copies a report, copies a report, copies of which were provided to us by a of which were provided to us by a of which were provided to us by a source close to the source close to the source close to the case, who case, who case, who has reviewed the has reviewed the has reviewed the full materials. full materials. full materials. So, let's So, let's So, let's talk about them. talk about them.

While I While I review these review these review these messages, we will messages, we will messages, we will be showing their be showing their be showing their images with images with confidential confidential names hidden. These are names hidden. These are names hidden. These are messages between messages between messages between Jane Doe and Jane Doe and Jane Doe and defendants Matthew defendants Matthew defendants Matthew Ingles and Jonathan Ingles and Jonathan Ingles and Jonathan Newell in the days following Newell in the days following Newell in the days following the incident, and the incident, and the incident, and they have now become key they have now become key they have now become key to the criminal to the criminal to the criminal investigation. investigation. The correspondence The correspondence began on October 21 began on October 21 began on October 21 with a message from with a message from with a message from Jonathan. He said Jonathan. He said that a that a that a friend gave him Jane Doe's number. He friend gave him Jane Doe's number. He friend gave him Jane Doe's number. He apologized for what apologized for what apologized for what happened, said happened, said happened, said his memories were hazy, his memories were hazy, his memories were hazy, but assured them that they but assured them that they but assured them that they would stop spreading would stop spreading would stop spreading any gossip they had any gossip they had any gossip they had heard. Jane Doe heard. Jane Doe heard. Jane Doe responded that her responded that her responded that her memories were also memories were also memories were also hazy, but they hazy, but they hazy, but they were all drunk and were all drunk and were all drunk and drugged, and said, drugged, and said, "I quote, at the end of the day, "I quote, at the end of the day, "I quote, at the end of the day, none of that sex none of that sex none of that sex was illegal. I don't was illegal. I don't was illegal. I don't think we should think we should think we should feel ashamed of it feel ashamed of it . Our bodies, our choices . Our bodies, our choices ." At the end of ." At the end of ." At the end of the message, she the message, she the message, she asked if asked if asked if he remembered her taking he remembered her taking he remembered her taking ketamine from his ketamine from his ketamine from his penis, which penis, which penis, which she described as, she described as, she described as, quote, " quote, " The craziest, most The craziest, most The craziest, most amazing amazing amazing moment of that night." moment of that night." moment of that night." Jonathan replied that he did Jonathan replied that he did Jonathan replied that he did n't remember. Over the n't remember. Over the n't remember. Over the next few days, they next few days, they next few days, they continued continued continued to talk, to talk, to talk, honestly, mostly about honestly, mostly about honestly, mostly about her missing earrings.

her missing earrings. her missing earrings. She asked She asked She asked Jonathan to look for Jonathan to look for Jonathan to look for them. Meanwhile, in those them. Meanwhile, in those them. Meanwhile, in those early days, she early days, she early days, she was also corresponding with Matthew was also corresponding with Matthew was also corresponding with Matthew Ingles, the guy Ingles, the guy Ingles, the guy she had originally she had originally she had originally come to see at Kai Kai come to see at Kai Kai come to see at Kai Kai that evening. He that evening. He that evening. He asked how she was asked how she was asked how she was doing, said he was doing, said he was doing, said he was disappointed with disappointed with disappointed with how quickly how quickly how quickly this, quote this, quote : "Nonsense," was spreading, and : "Nonsense," was spreading, and : "Nonsense," was spreading, and assured her that everything would assured her that everything would assured her that everything would die down. Jane Doe die down. Jane Doe die down. Jane Doe told him that told him that told him that she felt as if it was she felt as if it was she felt as if it was temporarily ruining her temporarily ruining her temporarily ruining her life and life and life and reputation, and that she was reputation, and that she was reputation, and that she was extremely ashamed. The extremely ashamed. The extremely ashamed. The two of them two of them two of them discussed who could have been discussed who could have been discussed who could have been talking about this talking about this talking about this incident and incident and incident and spreading rumors. spreading rumors. spreading rumors. They They They seemed on good seemed on good seemed on good terms for a few days, but terms for a few days, but terms for a few days, but eventually they started a eventually they started a eventually they started a correspondence where she correspondence where she correspondence where she asked him why asked him why asked him why she wasn't invited to the she wasn't invited to the she wasn't invited to the party and he party and he party and he asked if asked if asked if she had been telling others she had been telling others she had been telling others about him. Jane Doe about him. Jane Doe about him. Jane Doe replied that she had not replied that she had not replied that she had not spoken of him, spoken of him, spoken of him, but had mentioned but had mentioned but had mentioned Jonathan. And by Jonathan. And by Jonathan. And by November 3, she November 3, she November 3, she wrote to Jonathan: wrote to Jonathan: wrote to Jonathan: “I quote: let’s be “I quote: let’s be “I quote: let’s be clear that 90% of what clear that 90% of what clear that 90% of what happened that night happened that night happened that night was non-consensual. I was was non-consensual. I was was non-consensual. I was given so much given so much given so much ketimine that I ketimine that I ketimine that I don't remember anything, and I know I don't remember anything, and I know I don't remember anything, and I know I told you I told you I told you I felt awkward, and felt awkward, and felt awkward, and I didn't know anyone in I didn't know anyone in I didn't know anyone in that room. "All I that room. "All I that room. "All I remember after that was remember after that was you letting me you letting me you letting me do the runway in front of do the runway in front of do the runway in front of everyone like I was a sex everyone like I was a sex doll or a worker doll or a worker ." He replied that he ." He replied that he ." He replied that he didn't remember any of it didn't remember any of it didn't remember any of it and and and felt terrible felt terrible felt terrible about the whole situation about the whole situation . He said that everything . He said that everything . He said that everything got out of control got out of control got out of control and there was no and there was no and there was no excuse for this. Just a excuse for this. Just a excuse for this. Just a few days later, on November 7th and few days later, on November 7th and few days later, on November 7th and 8th, when Matt 8th, when Matt 8th, when Matt texted her again texted her again texted her again asking if she had asking if she had asking if she had talked about him, talked about him, talked about him, she replied, "No."

she replied, "No." she replied, "No." Finally, he asked Finally, he asked Finally, he asked permission permission permission to call her, and to call her, and to call her, and then she told then she told then she told him, “I quote: I think I’m him, “I quote: I think I’m him, “I quote: I think I’m done talking to done talking to done talking to you. I know you you. I know you you. I know you lied." These are pretty lied." These are pretty lied." These are pretty candid candid candid messages, and as soon as messages, and as soon as messages, and as soon as they started they started they started appearing online, appearing online, appearing online, many began to many began to many began to question question question whether Jane whether Jane whether Jane Doe had changed her story Doe had changed her story Doe had changed her story after she was after she was after she was allegedly not invited allegedly not invited allegedly not invited to the party. to the party. to the party. Forensic psychology researcher Forensic psychology researcher Alexandra AJ Alexandra AJ Greer told NewsNation Greer told NewsNation Greer told NewsNation that from her expert that from her expert that from her expert perspective, these perspective, these perspective, these messages messages messages show a young show a young show a young woman woman woman trying to trying to trying to reconstruct the events of reconstruct the events of reconstruct the events of the attack. She the attack. She the attack. She told NewsNation that it told NewsNation that it told NewsNation that it often often often takes time for survivors to takes time for survivors to takes time for survivors to realize that what realize that what realize that what they experienced was they experienced was they experienced was rape, and it's rape, and it's rape, and it's not uncommon for them not uncommon for them not uncommon for them to stay in to stay in to stay in touch with those who touch with those who touch with those who were involved. It's like were involved. It's like were involved. It's like their way of their way of their way of trying to trying to trying to reframe what reframe what reframe what happened as a happened as a happened as a consensual meeting with friends. consensual meeting with friends. consensual meeting with friends. But when it comes to a But when it comes to a But when it comes to a criminal criminal criminal investigation, if investigation, if investigation, if it goes to a it goes to a it goes to a grand jury, they will have to grand jury, they will have to examine these examine these reports and reports and reports and decide how to decide how to decide how to interpret them from a interpret them from a criminal criminal prosecution perspective. For prosecution perspective. For prosecution perspective. For Cindy Renee Greeneau, it is Cindy Renee Greeneau, it is Cindy Renee Greeneau, it is personally very difficult to personally very difficult to personally very difficult to hear any criticism hear any criticism hear any criticism of Jane Doe.

of Jane Doe. of Jane Doe. In her opinion, she was a In her opinion, she was a In her opinion, she was a victim who victim who victim who was trying to somehow was trying to somehow was trying to somehow make sense of what had make sense of what had make sense of what had happened to her. And the thing is happened to her. And the thing is happened to her. And the thing is , this does , this does , this does n't just apply to n't just apply to n't just apply to Jane Doe. Cindy Rene Jane Doe. Cindy Rene Jane Doe. Cindy Rene told me, "This is a told me, "This is a told me, "This is a cultural problem on the cultural problem on the cultural problem on the Cornell campus that Cornell campus that Cornell campus that needs fundamental needs fundamental needs fundamental change." And she knows this change." And she knows this change." And she knows this from firsthand experience, from firsthand experience, from firsthand experience, because during because during because during our interview, she our interview, she our interview, she told me that she told me that she told me that she was also a victim of was also a victim of was also a victim of sexual sexual sexual assault in a assault in a assault in a Cornell fraternity house and Cornell fraternity house and Cornell fraternity house and agreed to let agreed to let agreed to let us share her us share her us share her story. She story. She story. She told me it told me it told me it was the first course. She had been was the first course. She had been was the first course. She had been drinking at a drinking at a drinking at a fraternity but fraternity but fraternity but felt safe felt safe felt safe with her friends until, she with her friends until, she with her friends until, she says, she passed says, she passed says, she passed out and ended up out and ended up out and ended up in someone else's in someone else's in someone else's car, where she car, where she car, where she was allegedly was allegedly was allegedly sexually sexually sexually assaulted. She assaulted. She assaulted. She reported this to reported this to reported this to Cornell and provided us with Cornell and provided us with Cornell and provided us with her medical report from her medical report from her medical report from the day she the day she the day she applied to the applied to the applied to the university so we university so we university so we could verify it. could verify it. could verify it. But she said But she said But she said she was advised to undergo a she was advised to undergo a she was advised to undergo a medical examination for medical examination for medical examination for signs of signs of signs of rape if rape if rape if she wanted to contact she wanted to contact she wanted to contact the police. And at the police. And at the police. And at Cornell there was no Cornell there was no Cornell there was no possibility to conduct possibility to conduct possibility to conduct such a review. So she would have to such a review. So she would have to such a review. So she would have to drive drive drive about 20 minutes to about 20 minutes to about 20 minutes to the hospital to do the hospital to do the hospital to do that. And the university website that. And the university website confirms this.

confirms this. The nearest hospital where The nearest hospital where The nearest hospital where you can get a you can get a rape exam and rape exam and forensics forensics forensics is is is Cayuga Medical Center in Cayuga Medical Center in Cayuga Medical Center in Ithaca. Cindy Renee Ithaca. Cindy Renee Ithaca. Cindy Renee told me that she told me that she told me that she was already humiliated by the very was already humiliated by the very was already humiliated by the very fact that fact that fact that it happened. She it happened. She it happened. She felt afraid, she felt afraid, she felt afraid, she was traumatized. And was traumatized. And was traumatized. And she didn't want to she didn't want to openly share openly share her story with her story with her story with another healthcare another healthcare another healthcare professional again at that moment. So she professional again at that moment. So she professional again at that moment. So she closed the closed the closed the case altogether. case altogether. The case The case never reached a Title IX investigation. She never reached a Title IX investigation. She never reached a Title IX investigation. She was in a sorority for was in a sorority for was in a sorority for about a year, but about a year, but about a year, but left because left because left because the culture around the culture around the culture around fraternities became something fraternities became something fraternities became something she just didn't she just didn't she just didn't want to be a part of. want to be a part of. want to be a part of. Cindy Renee described the Cindy Renee described the Cindy Renee described the fraternity environment fraternity environment fraternity environment as a place of excessive as a place of excessive as a place of excessive drinking, drinking, drinking, which for her was a game of which for her was a game of which for her was a game of who to who to who to sleep with. She sleep with. She sleep with. She said it was disgusting. said it was disgusting. said it was disgusting. Data from Cornell's own task force Data from Cornell's own task force shows that women in shows that women in student student student unions unions unions report report report sexual sexual sexual assault almost assault almost assault almost twice as often as twice as often as twice as often as those who are not in them those who are not in them those who are not in them . Moreover, an . Moreover, an . Moreover, an exclusive exclusive exclusive analysis by USA Today analysis by USA Today analysis by USA Today found that between 2018 and 2024, found that between 2018 and 2024, found that between 2018 and 2024, Cornell Cornell Cornell reported to New reported to New York State more than 1,200 York State more than 1,200 York State more than 1,200 cases of cases of cases of sexual sexual sexual assault, assault, dating violence, domestic dating violence, domestic violence, and violence, and violence, and stalking stalking stalking filed with the Title IX office filed with the Title IX office . Only seven out of over 1,200 . Only seven out of over 1,200 . Only seven out of over 1,200 cases resulted in cases resulted in cases resulted in expulsion or expulsion or expulsion or dismissal. But this is dismissal. But this is dismissal. But this is n't just about n't just about n't just about Cornell. In fact, Cornell. In fact, Cornell. In fact, I'm sure many I'm sure many I'm sure many of you listening to of you listening to of you listening to all of this know someone at all of this know someone at all of this know someone at university now university now university now or in the past who has been a or in the past who has been a or in the past who has been a survivor of rape survivor of rape survivor of rape or sexual or sexual or sexual assault. And

assault. And assault. And it seemed like while it seemed like while it seemed like while all this was unfolding in all this was unfolding in all this was unfolding in Ithaca, we didn't even have time to Ithaca, we didn't even have time to keep up with other keep up with other stories from stories from stories from universities across the universities across the universities across the country. Amid the country. Amid the country. Amid the investigation at investigation at investigation at Cornell, Cornell, Cornell, another shocking piece of news has come from the another shocking piece of news has come from the another shocking piece of news has come from the great college. On great college. On great college. On October 5, the dean of October 5, the dean of October 5, the dean of students at the students at the University of Arizona in University of Arizona in Tucson sent Tucson sent Tucson sent a letter to students stating a letter to students stating a letter to students stating that that that all fraternities all fraternities all fraternities were suspended due to, were suspended due to, were suspended due to, quote, "an egregious quote, "an egregious quote, "an egregious number of number of number of allegations of allegations of allegations of serious serious serious misconduct." misconduct." misconduct." These reportedly These reportedly These reportedly included physical included physical included physical violence, violence, drug and drug and alcohol abuse, hazing, alcohol abuse, hazing, alcohol abuse, hazing, and creating and creating and creating unsafe conditions. And the unsafe conditions. And the unsafe conditions. And the Washington Post reported Washington Post reported Washington Post reported that some of these cases that some of these cases that some of these cases are under are under are under criminal criminal criminal investigation. Since investigation. Since investigation. Since that initial that initial that initial report, the university report, the university report, the university has confirmed to the media that 16 has confirmed to the media that 16 has confirmed to the media that 16 fraternities fraternities fraternities have had their have had their have had their suspensions lifted, but as of suspensions lifted, but as of suspensions lifted, but as of this writing, this writing, this writing, five of them are still five of them are still five of them are still suspended and suspended and suspended and under under under investigation. And then, investigation. And then, investigation. And then, when I was when I was when I was finishing this finishing this finishing this episode, writing the episode, writing the episode, writing the script and stuff, script and stuff, script and stuff, I got a I got a I got a message from message from message from our producer. "Did you our producer. "Did you our producer. "Did you see what happened at the see what happened at the University of Chicago?" According to University of Chicago?" According to the university, in the university, in the university, in the early morning of October 11, a the early morning of October 11, a the early morning of October 11, a woman reported woman reported woman reported sexual sexual sexual assault at one of the assault at one of the assault at one of the fraternity houses, and fraternity houses, and fraternity houses, and the suspect fled, which the suspect fled, which the suspect fled, which was confirmed was confirmed was confirmed by by by surveillance cameras in surveillance cameras in surveillance cameras in the area. Within the area. Within the area. Within days, days, days, the university the university the university informed the community informed the community informed the community that they had identified a person of that they had identified a person of interest— interest— interest— not a campus student—and the not a campus student—and the Chicago Police Department was now investigating. So,

Chicago Police Department was now investigating. So, everything that happens everything that happens everything that happens around such around such around such investigations has become the investigations has become the investigations has become the main topic on main topic on main topic on social media. social media. If you If you scroll through your feed on your scroll through your feed on your scroll through your feed on your phone right now, you'll see phone right now, you'll see phone right now, you'll see tons of TikTok videos and tons of TikTok videos and tons of TikTok videos and clips about this, which clips about this, which clips about this, which started the started the started the viral movement. Other viral movement. Other viral movement. Other victims of sexual victims of sexual victims of sexual assault are sharing assault are sharing assault are sharing their personal their personal their personal stories, stories, stories, trying to preserve trying to preserve trying to preserve the anonymity of the the anonymity of the the anonymity of the Cornell victim, filling out Cornell victim, filling out Cornell victim, filling out the ribbons within the the ribbons within the the ribbons within the “I Am Jane Doe” movement. Their “I Am Jane Doe” movement. Their “I Am Jane Doe” movement. Their goal? We are all Jane goal? We are all Jane goal? We are all Jane Doe. So I wanted to Doe. So I wanted to Doe. So I wanted to explore this deeper. explore this deeper. explore this deeper. What do other What do other What do other things look like outside of things look like outside of things look like outside of Cornell? And one of the Cornell? And one of the Cornell? And one of the cases that came cases that came cases that came to my feed is a to my feed is a to my feed is a case that I case that I case that I think you should think you should think you should hear about, from another hear about, from another hear about, from another Ivy League university Ivy League university Ivy League university , , , Columbia Columbia Columbia University. In the fall of University. In the fall of University. In the fall of 2021, Golda Daphne 2021, Golda Daphne 2021, Golda Daphne was a senior in the was a senior in the engineering engineering department at department at department at Columbia Columbia Columbia University and University and University and started started started dating someone. She dating someone. She dating someone. She told me that once told me that once told me that once they got together, they got together, they got together, things got pretty things got pretty things got pretty serious and fast, serious and fast, serious and fast, but then things got but then things got but then things got worse when he worse when he worse when he started making started making started making comments about other comments about other comments about other women and making jokes about being women and making jokes about being women and making jokes about being violent towards her.

violent towards her. violent towards her. For example, that For example, that For example, that if he killed her, it would if he killed her, it would if he killed her, it would make a good make a good make a good documentary documentary —he said it as if it were a —he said it as if it were a —he said it as if it were a joke, but she did joke, but she did joke, but she did n't find it funny. Golda n't find it funny. Golda n't find it funny. Golda was a virgin. She was a virgin. She was a virgin. She was saving herself for was saving herself for was saving herself for marriage, and about marriage, and about marriage, and about two weeks two weeks two weeks after they became a after they became a after they became a couple, she says, couple, she says, couple, she says, he raped her. These he raped her. These he raped her. These allegations allegations allegations are supported by are supported by are supported by documents and documents and documents and emails emails emails from the university. She from the university. She from the university. She told me it told me it told me it was one of those was one of those was one of those mornings where you're mornings where you're mornings where you're between sleep and between sleep and between sleep and wakefulness, but by the time wakefulness, but by the time wakefulness, but by the time her her her brain realized what was brain realized what was brain realized what was happening, it had already happening, it had already happening, it had already completely completely completely raped her. She raped her. She raped her. She pushed him away and pushed him away and pushed him away and screamed. But at that screamed. But at that screamed. But at that point, Golda wasn't point, Golda wasn't point, Golda wasn't calling it calling it calling it rape, rape, rape, at least not yet. at least not yet. at least not yet. In fact, In fact, In fact, she later noticed she later noticed she later noticed bleeding and bleeding and bleeding and wondered if wondered if wondered if it meant she was it meant she was it meant she was pregnant, since she had pregnant, since she had pregnant, since she had never had sex before. never had sex before. never had sex before. She told me She told me She told me that she lived in a fog that she lived in a fog that she lived in a fog trying trying trying to justify it. So to justify it. So to justify it. So she stayed with him she stayed with him . But, she says, the . But, she says, the . But, she says, the violence and violence and violence and threats only threats only threats only intensified, and intensified, and she began she began sharing some of the strange remarks he made on TikTok, sharing some of the strange remarks he made on TikTok, sharing some of the strange remarks he made on TikTok, as if in a as if in a as if in a video diary or as a video diary or as a video diary or as a way to vent her way to vent her way to vent her emotions. After talking emotions. After talking emotions. After talking to friends and to friends and to friends and adults she adults she adults she trusted, she trusted, she trusted, she said she said she said she was finally able to call things by was finally able to call things by was finally able to call things by their proper names. She their proper names. She their proper names. She was raped was raped . And in mid- . And in mid- . And in mid- November 2021, November 2021, November 2021, she filed a report with she filed a report with Columbia Columbia University's public safety office, which University's public safety office, which University's public safety office, which connected her with the connected her with the connected her with the New York Police Department and New York Police Department and New York Police Department and the detective handling the the detective handling the the detective handling the case. However, according to case. However, according to emails I personally emails I personally read, Columbia University's Title IX office read, Columbia University's Title IX office also also consistently pushed consistently pushed consistently pushed for a for a for a formal

formal formal Title IX complaint to be filed because it was a Title IX complaint to be filed because it was a campus safety issue. So she campus safety issue. So she did it. And two did it. And two did it. And two weeks later, the situation weeks later, the situation weeks later, the situation turned against her. turned against her. Her alleged Her alleged abuser filed abuser filed abuser filed a complaint against her. Now he a complaint against her. Now he a complaint against her. Now he accused her of accused her of accused her of harassment and harassment and harassment and violence during violence during violence during dates, dates, dates, focusing on focusing on focusing on TikTok videos she TikTok videos she TikTok videos she posted about posted about posted about him. Specifically, the him. Specifically, the him. Specifically, the things I told you about things I told you about things I told you about , like those , like those comments he made about how comments he made about how if he killed her, it would if he killed her, it would if he killed her, it would make a good make a good make a good documentary documentary . Things like that . Things like that . Things like that . This . This . This started a started a started a chaotic feud. chaotic feud. chaotic feud. Golda told me Golda told me Golda told me that Columbia that Columbia that Columbia University University University warned her that they warned her that they warned her that they could not guarantee could not guarantee could not guarantee that the that the that the harassment complaint would not harassment complaint would not harassment complaint would not be included on her be included on her be included on her academic record, academic record, academic record, and her degree would be and her degree would be and her degree would be withheld while withheld while withheld while the case was open. the case was open. the case was open. Meanwhile, it was already the Meanwhile, it was already the Meanwhile, it was already the spring of her senior spring of her senior spring of her senior year. So it was supposed to be year. So it was supposed to be year. So it was supposed to be released soon released soon . An email . An email . An email from the from the from the university itself, which university itself, which university itself, which was shared with me, was shared with me, was shared with me, outlined all outlined all outlined all the options. Her diploma the options. Her diploma the options. Her diploma was on hold due to was on hold due to ongoing investigations, but if ongoing investigations, but if both parties both parties both parties withdrew their complaints, the withdrew their complaints, the withdrew their complaints, the cases would be closed cases would be closed and the hold and the hold and the hold lifted. Golda lifted. Golda lifted. Golda told me that at told me that at told me that at that point she that point she that point she just wanted to just wanted to just wanted to get her diploma and had already get her diploma and had already get her diploma and had already gone through so much gone through so much gone through so much emotional suffering emotional suffering emotional suffering that she agreed to a that she agreed to a that she agreed to a mutual closure of the mutual closure of the mutual closure of the case on the condition that case on the condition that case on the condition that his name not be mentioned.

his name not be mentioned. his name not be mentioned. And after that, she did And after that, she did And after that, she did get her get her get her diploma. I was a bit diploma. I was a bit diploma. I was a bit surprised by all this. surprised by all this. surprised by all this. That is, how can the university That is, how can the university That is, how can the university consider such consider such consider such retaliations in the form of retaliations in the form of retaliations in the form of complaints? And is it typical complaints? And is it typical complaints? And is it typical to withhold someone's to withhold someone's to withhold someone's diploma in this way diploma in this way ? I have now reached out ? I have now reached out ? I have now reached out to Columbia to Columbia to Columbia University to University to University to inquire about this inquire about this inquire about this case and the protocols case and the protocols case and the protocols when it comes to when it comes to when it comes to Title IX cases of Title IX cases of Title IX cases of this nature. But this nature. But this nature. But at the time of this at the time of this at the time of this writing, I have writing, I have writing, I have not yet received a response. So, all of this leads to the not yet received a response. So, all of this leads to the not yet received a response. So, all of this leads to the fact that when fact that when fact that when the news about Cornell came out the news about Cornell came out the news about Cornell came out , Golda , Golda , Golda wasn't surprised. And that's why wasn't surprised. And that's why wasn't surprised. And that's why she she she decided to share decided to share decided to share her story her story her story online. She online. She online. She told me that told me that told me that hundreds of women had written to her hundreds of women had written to her hundreds of women had written to her since she since she since she began began began speaking openly about very speaking openly about very speaking openly about very similar stories. The pressure similar stories. The pressure similar stories. The pressure to sign to sign to sign non-disclosure agreements, non-disclosure agreements, non-disclosure agreements, the emotional hardships the emotional hardships the emotional hardships after the attacks—the after the attacks—the after the attacks—the list goes list goes list goes on. Golda on. Golda on. Golda said it bluntly: there are said it bluntly: there are said it bluntly: there are no perfect victims no perfect victims no perfect victims . She wasn't . She wasn't . She wasn't like that. Jane Doe from like that. Jane Doe from like that. Jane Doe from Cornell wasn't like Cornell wasn't like Cornell wasn't like that either. No one is a that either. No one is a that either. No one is a perfect victim. perfect victim. perfect victim. But she said they But she said they But she said they deserve to be deserve to be deserve to be believed. And she believed. And she believed. And she stated bluntly: any stated bluntly: any stated bluntly: any man who commits man who commits man who commits penetration without penetration without penetration without your express consent is your express consent is your express consent is committing violence.

committing violence. committing violence. Point. I have to Point. I have to Point. I have to tell you tell you tell you where this case stands now where this case stands now where this case stands now , and that's no easy , and that's no easy , and that's no easy task, because the situation is task, because the situation is task, because the situation is literally changing literally changing literally changing every day. So let's start with the every day. So let's start with the every day. So let's start with the "Cornell "Cornell "Cornell Seven" themselves, who, along with Seven" themselves, who, along with Seven" themselves, who, along with their lawyers, are their lawyers, are their lawyers, are making making making headlines headlines headlines because of what they are because of what they are because of what they are now saying or now saying or now saying or fighting for. While all fighting for. While all fighting for. While all this was unfolding, a this was unfolding, a this was unfolding, a public public public lawsuit lawsuit lawsuit from March 2026 emerged from March 2026 emerged from March 2026 emerged from one of the from one of the Cornell Seven members . Although he . Although he . Although he was listed as John was listed as John was listed as John Doe in the document, in recent Doe in the document, in recent Doe in the document, in recent weeks he has been weeks he has been weeks he has been publicly publicly publicly identified as identified as identified as Scott Kretschmar. Scott Kretschmar. Scott Kretschmar. According to his According to his According to his petition, petition, petition, Cornell's Title Cornell's Title Cornell's Title IX commission effectively IX commission effectively IX commission effectively acquitted him of the acquitted him of the sexual sexual abuse and abuse and abuse and exploitation charges. But exploitation charges. But exploitation charges. But remember, I remember, I remember, I said earlier that the commission said earlier that the commission said earlier that the commission found him found him found him responsible for responsible for responsible for attempted sexual attempted sexual attempted sexual exploitation. They say exploitation. They say exploitation. They say he saw that he saw that he saw that Snapchat message at Snapchat message at Snapchat message at 1:42 a.m., replied in 1:42 a.m., replied in 1:42 a.m., replied in chat, and then chat, and then chat, and then went upstairs to the room, went upstairs to the room, went upstairs to the room, realizing the woman was realizing the woman was realizing the woman was probably naked or probably naked or probably naked or having sex, intending to having sex, intending to at least look . He is asking the judge to . He is asking the judge to . He is asking the judge to overturn the decision overturn the decision overturn the decision and remove it from the and remove it from the and remove it from the record because record because record because he says Cornell he says Cornell he says Cornell never never never accused him of accused him of accused him of attempted sexual attempted sexual attempted sexual exploitation and failed to exploitation and failed to exploitation and failed to provide him with a proper provide him with a proper provide him with a proper opportunity opportunity opportunity to defend himself. The judge to defend himself. The judge to defend himself. The judge denied that denied that denied that motion, but motion, but motion, but Scott's attorney Scott's attorney Scott's attorney informed me that informed me that informed me that they are filing an they are filing an they are filing an appeal right now.

appeal right now. appeal right now. Next is the lawyer for Next is the lawyer for Next is the lawyer for defendant Diego defendant Diego defendant Diego Sarabia, who filed a Sarabia, who filed a Sarabia, who filed a court document court document court document requesting a requesting a requesting a ban on public ban on public ban on public discussion of the case, discussion of the case, discussion of the case, arguing that statements by arguing that statements by arguing that statements by Jane Doe's lawyer Jane Doe's lawyer Jane Doe's lawyer could affect could affect could affect the ability to select an the ability to select an the ability to select an impartial impartial impartial jury if jury if jury if the case goes to trial. the case goes to trial. the case goes to trial. However, a judge However, a judge However, a judge recently denied recently denied recently denied this request. And then this request. And then this request. And then Julio Julio Julio Lopez's lawyer made a Lopez's lawyer made a Lopez's lawyer made a rather loud statement, rather loud statement, rather loud statement, telling CBS News that telling CBS News that telling CBS News that he believed his client he believed his client he believed his client had nothing to had nothing to had nothing to regret. He stated regret. He stated that Giulio insists that that Giulio insists that that Giulio insists that his his his interaction with Jane Doe interaction with Jane Doe interaction with Jane Doe was consensual, and that was consensual, and that was consensual, and that he actually he actually he actually left the room before the left the room before the Snapchat message offering free sex was sent. free sex was sent. He claims He claims He claims his client didn't even his client didn't even his client didn't even know about the other rude know about the other rude know about the other rude messages on Snapchat messages on Snapchat messages on Snapchat before the before the Title IX investigation began. Title IX investigation began. Giulio's team, along with Giulio's team, along with Giulio's team, along with defendant defendant defendant Winston Lee's team, Winston Lee's team, Winston Lee's team, are also demanding something else: are also demanding something else: are also demanding something else: removing removing removing Attorney General Letitia Attorney General Letitia Attorney General Letitia James from the James from the James from the criminal case criminal case criminal case over a post over a post over a post she made on she made on she made on social media. On social media. On social media. On September 28, on the September 28, on the New York State Attorney General's Facebook and X pages, she Facebook and X pages, she Facebook and X pages, she wrote about wrote about wrote about Cornell's case, quote: "What Cornell's case, quote: "What this young woman had to go through is this young woman had to go through is horrific and horrific and horrific and unacceptable. I unacceptable. I unacceptable. I hold her in my hold her in my hold her in my heart and in my heart and in my heart and in my prayers. To her and to prayers. To her and to prayers. To her and to all those affected: you are all those affected: you are all those affected: you are not alone. We are with you."

not alone. We are with you." Defense attorneys for both Giulio Defense attorneys for both Giulio and Winston wrote in and Winston wrote in and Winston wrote in their statements that the their statements that the their statements that the post showed post showed post showed bias even before bias even before bias even before she was she was she was assigned to the assigned to the assigned to the case. And when James case. And when James case. And when James was asked about the post at a was asked about the post at a was asked about the post at a press conference, press conference, press conference, she said she would not she said she would not comment on it. As of comment on it. As of now, she is still now, she is still now, she is still leading the criminal leading the criminal leading the criminal case. That has not case. That has not case. That has not changed as of changed as of changed as of this writing. And she this writing. And she this writing. And she will have to decide will have to decide will have to decide whether her team believes there is whether her team believes there is whether her team believes there is enough evidence enough evidence enough evidence to send the case to send the case to send the case to a grand jury, a to a grand jury, a to a grand jury, a process that could process that could process that could take months. But let's take months. But let's take months. But let's get back to get back to get back to Cornell in all of Cornell in all of Cornell in all of this. Because this. Because this. Because Cornell initially Cornell initially Cornell initially insisted strongly that insisted strongly that insisted strongly that they they they followed all followed all followed all protocols and protocols and protocols and procedures and took procedures and took procedures and took appropriate action appropriate action appropriate action to to fraternity brothers. But on October 13, the president appeared to reverse the president appeared to reverse course and admit course and admit course and admit far more far more far more guilt than before. guilt than before. He issued a statement announcing his He issued a statement announcing his decision decision decision to suspend all to suspend all fraternity parties and social events through fraternity parties and social events through the end of the the end of the the end of the 2026-2027 academic year in light of the fallout 2026-2027 academic year in light of the fallout 2026-2027 academic year in light of the fallout from the case, from the case, from the case, and to immediately and to immediately and to immediately increase campus safety and increase campus safety and increase campus safety and support.

support. In that statement, In that statement, Cornell’s president apologized Cornell’s president apologized Cornell’s president apologized to Jane Doe and to Jane Doe and to Jane Doe and the women on campus the women on campus the women on campus who are who are who are questioning their safety, questioning their safety, questioning their safety, and acknowledged that they had and acknowledged that they had and acknowledged that they had failed to take effective failed to take effective failed to take effective action. The university’s faculty seems to action. The university’s faculty seems to agree. agree. Cornell’s Cornell’s Cornell’s 75-plus 75-plus voting members of the academic council initiated a voting members of the academic council initiated a vote of vote of vote of no confidence before no confidence before no confidence before the university the university the university investigated the investigated the investigated the 2024 rape case 2024 rape case 2024 rape case . Not only that, . Not only that, . Not only that, they wrote that they lacked they wrote that they lacked they wrote that they lacked confidence in the confidence in the confidence in the administration’s ability to administration’s ability to administration’s ability to effectively address the effectively address the effectively address the sexual sexual sexual assault crisis at assault crisis at assault crisis at Cornell Cornell Cornell . That . That . That applies to everyone on applies to everyone on applies to everyone on campus, which may campus, which may campus, which may and was the reason and was the reason why the president why the president why the president decided to suspend decided to suspend decided to suspend all all all fraternity social activities at that fraternity social activities at that fraternity social activities at that time. According to time. According to time. According to a report in The New York a report in The New York a report in The New York Times this week, Jane Times this week, Jane Times this week, Jane Doe sent a letter Doe sent a letter Doe sent a letter to the Board of Trustees just to the Board of Trustees just to the Board of Trustees just days days days before the vote, before the vote, before the vote, saying saying saying she felt she felt she felt a lack of a lack of a lack of support and support and support and distrust from the distrust from the distrust from the president, who president, who president, who reportedly reportedly reportedly made a comment made a comment made a comment asking why the asking why the asking why the assault was reported so assault was reported so assault was reported so late. But a late. But a late. But a Cornell spokesman told The Cornell spokesman told The Cornell spokesman told The New York Times that his New York Times that his New York Times that his comment was comment was comment was directed at directed at directed at observers who did not observers who did not observers who did not use the use the use the hotline to hotline to hotline to report it report it report it after after after learning what had happened learning what had happened , not at Jane Doe.

, not at Jane Doe. , not at Jane Doe. Next week, on Next week, on Next week, on Oct. 28, the Board of Trustees Oct. 28, the Board of Trustees Oct. 28, the Board of Trustees will hold a final will hold a final will hold a final debate on the debate on the debate on the issue, followed by a issue, followed by a issue, followed by a vote. So here we go vote. So here we go vote. So here we go . Meanwhile, the . Meanwhile, the university’s Board of Trustees university’s Board of Trustees has hired Sally Yates, a has hired Sally Yates, a has hired Sally Yates, a former deputy former deputy U.S. attorney general, to U.S. attorney general, to conduct an conduct an conduct an independent review independent review independent review of how the university of how the university of how the university prevents prevents and responds to sexual harassment, assault and related misconduct on campus. on them. As and responds to sexual harassment, assault and related misconduct on campus. on them. As part of that review, part of that review, part of that review, she is to determine whether she is to determine whether she is to determine whether Cornell followed Cornell followed Cornell followed its policies and its policies and its policies and procedures during the procedures during the 2024 Cornell Seven rape case. Right now, students and faculty on the 2024 Cornell Seven rape case. Right now, students and faculty on the Cornell campus Cornell campus tell me that tell me that the atmosphere there is the atmosphere there is the atmosphere there is oppressive. Protests are ongoing across the oppressive. Protests are ongoing across the oppressive. Protests are ongoing across the campus and in the city of campus and in the city of campus and in the city of Ithaca Ithaca Ithaca demanding a demanding a demanding a complete and complete and complete and radical overhaul of how radical overhaul of how sexual sexual assault allegations are handled. assault allegations are handled. Cornell professor Cornell professor Kate Mann, who Kate Mann, who Kate Mann, who interviewed the editor of the interviewed the editor of the interviewed the editor of the Cornell Sun who broke the Cornell Sun who broke the Cornell Sun who broke the story, story, story, told me that told me that told me that several several several female students have now come forward female students have now come forward female students have now come forward with their own with their own with their own stories of abuse stories of abuse . But they are too . But they are too . But they are too afraid to come forward afraid to come forward afraid to come forward . Not because of the . Not because of the . Not because of the stigma or emotional stigma or emotional stigma or emotional distress, but because they distress, but because they distress, but because they don't believe that don't believe that don't believe that Title IX or the Title IX or the Title IX or the criminal justice system will criminal justice system will criminal justice system will do anything about it.

do anything about it. So they are keeping quiet. Jane Doe's attorney has Jane Doe's attorney has publicly stated that she publicly stated that she publicly stated that she has received numerous has received numerous has received numerous threats amid threats amid threats amid ongoing efforts ongoing efforts ongoing efforts to keep her name is to keep her name is to keep her name is secret. It's scary, and secret. It's scary, and secret. It's scary, and it's sad. And from all it's sad. And from all it's sad. And from all this history, we this history, we this history, we know that Jane Doe know that Jane Doe know that Jane Doe lives among us. It's a lives among us. It's a lives among us. It's a silent struggle silent struggle silent struggle that that that thousands of women fight privately. So I thousands of women fight privately. So I thousands of women fight privately. So I want to leave Jane want to leave Jane want to leave Jane Doe from Cornell and Doe from Cornell and Doe from Cornell and anyone who anyone who anyone who has been sexually has been sexually has been sexually assaulted with one assaulted with one assaulted with one thought from Golda Daphne thought from Golda Daphne , who went through something similar, , who went through something similar, , who went through something similar, that I haven't forgotten since that I haven't forgotten since that I haven't forgotten since she she she said it. Quote: " said it. Quote: " When you feel When you feel When you feel hopeless, life hopeless, life hopeless, life really does get better. really does get better. really does get better. You become more resilient. You become more resilient. You become more resilient. It's unfair, but It's unfair, but It's unfair, but you really do become you really do become you really do become stronger, better stronger, better stronger, better friends, better friends, better friends, better sisters, and one sisters, and one sisters, and one day, better day, better day, better mothers. Silence mothers. Silence is the most powerful is the most powerful is the most powerful weapon that keeps weapon that keeps weapon that keeps survivors in survivors in survivors in chains. My voice chains. My voice is the only thing that is the only thing that is the only thing that will always keep will always keep will always keep me alive." If you me alive." If you me alive." If you or someone you or someone you or someone you know has been a victim know has been a victim know has been a victim of sexual of sexual of sexual assault, the assault, the assault, the National National Sexual Sexual Assault Hotline is available Assault Hotline is available Assault Hotline is available 24/7 at 24/7 at 24/7 at 1-800-656-HOPE. Crime 1-800-656-HOPE. Crime 1-800-656-HOPE. Crime Junkies, we'll be sure Junkies, we'll be sure Junkies, we'll be sure to follow this to follow this to follow this case and others case and others case and others as as as they develop. So they develop. So they develop. So subscribe and subscribe and subscribe and hit the hit the hit the bell to bell to bell to get updates get updates get updates on this case and on this case and on this case and others

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