To: Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten and the Tompkins County District Attorney’s Office

We, the undersigned, respectfully call upon the Tompkins County District Attorney’s Office to conduct a complete, impartial, and thorough criminal investigation into the allegations involving seven members of Cornell University’s Chi Phi fraternity and to pursue criminal charges where the evidence establishes that criminal conduct occurred. Accountability cannot stop with the people at the center of these allegations. We are also calling for the university, its representatives, and every individual who participated in or had knowledge of the group chat and the events surrounding it to be fully investigated. If people knew what was happening, helped enable it, encouraged it, or chose to look the other way, that deserves answers and accountability. We cannot accept a system where individuals are left to carry the consequences while institutions and others who may have played a role escape scrutiny. We are demanding transparency, a thorough investigation, and accountability wherever the evidence leads.

According to the civil complaint filed by the former Cornell student, she alleges that on October 19–20, 2024, she was drugged, sexually assaulted, and raped by multiple members of the Chi Phi fraternity while at the fraternity house. The lawsuit also alleges that communications among fraternity members documented the events surrounding the alleged assault.

No criminal charges were brought following the original 2024 investigation due to extreme negligence. However, the District Attorney has now announced that the investigation is being reopened and that prosecutors intend to present the matter to a grand jury with the alleged victim’s cooperation. The District Attorney has also stated that prosecutors are examining whether additional evidence now available could change the prior assessment of the case.

That development makes a complete reexamination of the evidence especially important.

We respectfully ask that investigators and prosecutors:

Review all available evidence from 2024 and any evidence that has become available since then, including digital communications, photographs, videos, medical records, witness statements, forensic evidence, and evidence identified in the civil lawsuit.
Investigate the allegations concerning the Snapchat/group-chat communications described in the civil complaint and determine when those communications were obtained, by whom, and whether they were previously provided to law enforcement.
Re-interview relevant witnesses and the complainant using appropriate procedures for sexual-assault investigations, where necessary and with appropriate protections for everyone involved.
Determine whether any evidence establishes that the complainant was knowingly or unknowingly drugged, incapacitated, coerced, or otherwise unable to consent, and whether any individual knowingly participated in criminal sexual conduct.
Review the original investigation and determine whether relevant evidence was overlooked, unavailable, misunderstood, or not adequately investigated.
Present the evidence to the grand jury as appropriate and allow the grand jury to determine whether criminal charges are warranted.
Pursue criminal charges against any individual when the evidence and applicable New York law establish probable cause and otherwise support prosecution, regardless of that person’s status as a Cornell student, fraternity member, alumnus, or member of any other organization.

The Cornell Seven and additional men in the group chat engaged in acts that were not only morally reprehensible but also criminal. They violated the trust of the university community and showed a blatant disregard for the safety and dignity of others. Despite overwhelming evidence and testimonies, these individuals have not faced any legal consequences for their actions. It is appalling and disheartening that they continue to walk free, the victim, strives every day to regain peace and dignity in her life.

 This is a plea for justice for anyone who has ever been wronged and left voiceless. It is a call to uphold the principles of justice and ensure that such transgressions are not swept under the rug. We cannot allow perpetrators to evade accountability any longer. The impact of their actions extends beyond personal trauma—it undermines the values of our educational institutions and taints the sanctity of Cornell University's reputation.

In order to restore faith in justice and ensure the safety of all future students, we must demand that charges be filed against the Cornell Seven and additional men in the group chat . By holding them accountable, we send a powerful message that such behavior will not be tolerated and that victims will be heard and supported.

Join me in advocating for legal action to be taken against these individuals. Sign this petition to urge law enforcement and university authorities to take decisive action and bring the Cornell Seven to justice. Your signature signifies solidarity with victims of injustice everywhere and is a step towards a safer, more accountable future for us all.