Cornell University has agreed to an independent investigation into how it handled a sexual assault allegation at a fraternity house, New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced Wednesday.

The agreement comes after a former Cornell student filed a civil lawsuit alleging she was drugged and gang-raped at the Chi Phi fraternity house in 2024. Governor Hochul stated that the allegations raise serious questions about campus culture and the university's commitment to student safety.

Hochul informed ABC News that Cornell "absolutely agreed" to the outside review, which she had requested. "I wanted to make sure they knew how important this was, and they absolutely agreed," Hochul said. "And they're acting on this this afternoon." She emphasized the need for truth and assurance that the university acted appropriately for the victim, her family, and the campus community.

The implications of this review extend beyond this specific case, as Hochul noted that such issues are "acute on every campus." Cornell's internal data indicate that 35% of undergraduate women reported experiencing sexual assault during their time at the university, highlighting a broader concern about campus safety across institutions.

Prosecutors in central New York have also reopened an investigation into the alleged sexual assault, according to Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten. The district attorney's office is considering criminal charges, though Van Houten noted that the civil complaint's allegations differ significantly from the victim's initial statement to police two years ago. He acknowledged that his office had previously relied on the Cornell Police investigation and had not conducted its own independent inquiry.

The Chi Phi fraternity chapter at Cornell is currently barred from campus. Trey Robb, interim executive director of Chi Phi, stated that all members accused in the lawsuit were expelled from the Cornell chapter within three days of the victim filing her police report in 2024. The civil lawsuit names seven former and current members of the fraternity.

This independent review aims to provide transparency and accountability regarding the university's response to the serious allegations. It seeks to determine if Cornell adequately addressed the incident and supported the student involved, while also examining broader systemic issues related to sexual assault on college campuses.

While Cornell has confirmed the investigation, details regarding its scope, timeline, and the specific individuals or bodies conducting the review have not yet been released. The outcome could influence how universities across the state and nation approach similar allegations and campus safety protocols.