Satirist Launches Website Naming Cornell Students Accused in Lawsuit
The initiative increases public pressure on authorities after prosecutors reopened a criminal inquiry into allegations that fraternity members assaulted a student.
Satirist and television writer Toby Morton launched a website targeting seven former Cornell University fraternity members accused of sexual assault in a civil lawsuit. The website went live following public discussion over the handling of the case.
The civil complaint was filed by a former Cornell student identified as Jane Doe. She alleged that seven members of the Chi Phi fraternity drugged and assaulted her at their Ithaca chapter house in October 2024. The lawsuit names the seven students, the university, the fraternity, and a local business.
Morton registered the domain TheCornell7.org along with related web addresses to document the accusations and institutional responses. He said on social media that he planned to verify records, photographs, and messages before publishing them on the site. He also said he planned to fund advertisements to keep attention on the allegations.
Attorneys representing accused students have denied the claims made in the lawsuit. An attorney for one defendant said test records showed no drugs in the student's system. An attorney for another student said the allegations differ from information gathered during earlier administrative reviews. None of the seven men has been arrested or criminally charged.
Cornell said it conducted an internal investigation under Title IX procedures that led to sanctions against students, including suspensions and expulsions. The university said the on-campus Chi Phi chapter was closed in 2024 and remains barred from operating. The lawsuit contends that the university offered some students the chance to lessen penalties through essay assignments.
The civil action prompted Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten to reopen an investigation into the matter. Van Houten said the claims in the lawsuit diverged from the initial sworn statements given to police in 2024. His office plans to present evidence to a grand jury to determine whether criminal charges are warranted.
