Ithaca council halts Cornell event permits amid scrutiny over handling of rape allegations

The Ithaca Common Council has voted 9-1 to implement a temporary moratorium on special event permits for Cornell University and its student organizations, including Greek life, through November 5. The move comes in response to public outcry and student protests regarding the university's handling of a 2024 gang-rape allegation involving the Chi Phi fraternity. In addition to the permit halt, the council is demanding that Cornell transfer investigations of violent sex crimes to the Ithaca Police Department. New York Governor Kathy Hochul has appointed Attorney General Letitia James as a special prosecutor to review the case after questions arose regarding the initial investigation and the District Attorney's decision not to file charges.

The Ithaca Common Council has voted 9-1 to implement a temporary moratorium on special event permits for Cornell University and its student organizations, including Greek life, through November 5. The move comes in response to public outcry and student protests regarding the university's handling of a 2024 gang-rape allegation involving the Chi Phi fraternity. In addition to the permit halt, the council is demanding that Cornell transfer investigations of violent sex crimes to the Ithaca Police Department. New York Governor Kathy Hochul has appointed Attorney General Letitia James as a special prosecutor to review the case after questions arose regarding the initial investigation and the District Attorney's decision not to file charges.