New York Governor says Cornell rape victim “failed” by officials

New York Governor Kathy Hochul said the woman at the centre of the Cornell University rape case was “failed” at “every turn” during a news conference on Friday.

The accuser, identified as Jane Doe in legal documents, alleges she was drugged and raped by several men at a fraternity house in 2024. An initial investigation produced no charges, but the case was reopened after Doe filed a civil lawsuit last month.

Hochul, describing herself as “deeply disturbed” by the handling of the investigation, announced the appointment of New York Attorney General Letitia James to lead a new inquiry, stating she had “lost faith” in the local prosecutor’s ability to oversee the matter.

Legal and legislative response

Hochul pledged to close a “loophole” that currently prevents prosecutors from pursuing rape charges when a victim has voluntarily consumed drugs or alcohol. She said voluntary intoxication “is not a licence for gang rape.” Attorney General James said her office would interview witnesses and pursue prosecutions if warranted.

District Attorney Matthew Van Houten defended his office’s earlier decision not to file charges, citing insufficient evidence and a lack of full information from the university. Cornell said it had supplied evidence, including a Snapchat group chat discussing a “free” sexual encounter with Doe.

State Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, who first sponsored legislation to close the loophole in 2019, noted that about half of U.S. states have already changed their laws to remove the distinction between voluntary and involuntary intoxication in rape cases. Hochul said she will support the existing bill, which could advance in the next legislative session.

Source: BBC News. Photo: Strange Happenings / Pexels.