New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said future investigations of sexual assault at Cornell University will now be referred to the New York State Police, following criticism of how campus and local authorities have handled a high-profile gang rape allegation.
“When someone reports sexual assault, they deserve to be heard, treated with compassion, and know their allegations will be taken seriously and thoroughly investigated,” Hochul, a Democrat, said on Oct. 29.
Hochul’s announcement came after concerns were raised about why no criminal charges were filed after a woman identified as Jane Doe said she had been raped in October 2024 by members of a fraternity at the Ivy League school in upstate New York. …