A Cornell Special Committee on Tuesday issued a statement announcing that the university has hired Sally Yates to conduct an independent review into the adequacy of the school’s response to sexual assault allegations by a former student, identified only as Jane Doe.

Yates, formerly the US deputy attorney general under Barack Obama and now a partner at the law firm King & Spalding, LLP, will review Cornell’s sexual assault and harassment policies, disciplinary processes, campus safety, and oversight in regards to student organizations, non-exhaustively. Additionally, the examination will include a detailed review of whether the university sufficiently adhered to its policies and procedures regarding the alleged sexual assault involving Doe and seven members of the Chi Phi fraternity.

“It is imperative that Cornell be willing to examine itself with the same rigor we expect of others,” said Special Committee chair Anne Smalling. “We want to understand not just what happened in 2024, but how Cornell can become a leader in preventing sexual violence, supporting those who come forward and responding to allegations rigorously, fairly and compassionately.”

This examination into the school’s policies is a direct response to the intense scrutiny faced by the university over their proclaimed lack of adequate response to Doe’s allegations that she was drugged and gang raped by members of Chi Phi in 2024. Records obtained by the New York Times indicate that the severest punishment issued, received by only two of the men involved, was expulsion, while the lightest punishment included writing “reflection papers.” President of Cornell University, Michael I. Kotlikoff has previously released a video statement acknowledging that Cornell “must do better” in addressing cases of sexual assault.

The issue was brought back to life and has sparked national outrage after Doe filed a civil lawsuit in September against the seven fraternity members and the university, prompting a reopening of the investigation by the district attorney. The suit accuses Cornell of failing to respond appropriately to her allegations and to address the harm caused by the men involved, while the reopened criminal inquiry is before a grand jury. Previous criminal investigation into the incident after it was reported did not lead to the prosecution of any of the involved individuals.

The renewed attention and scrutiny into the case has motivated students, victims, and activists across the country to speak out and stand up against the systemic failure of institutions nationally to prevent, protect, and address victims of sexual assault on college campuses.

Students at Cornell have turned to protesting as a method of advocacy, gathering on campus to voice their outrage on Monday, and engaging in a seven hour sit-in on Wednesday.