US universities are failing to protect victims of sexual assault

Cornell University's internal processes for responding to sexual assault reports failed "Jane Doe".

What happened

Cornell University's internal processes for responding to sexual assault reports failed "Jane Doe". In 2024, the third-year student documented being sexually assaulted by seven men while incapacitated at a fraternity house. Cornell introduced an investigation that would last months, but the process failed to deliver the accountability Jane Doe sought. She was left feeling unheard and unsafe, dropping out without completing her degree. No criminal charges were brought against the men she accused. She is now suing Cornell over its handling of her case. None of the administrators involved in those processes have been named. They have yet to face accountability.

Her experience reveals the ways in which confidential procedures at universities are intended to create "problems" go away, rather than work towards any form of justice for victims. It additionally reveals how those in positions of authority – deans, provosts and presidents, alongside Title IX and Affirmative Action officers, and university lawyers – are primarily invested in protecting their institutions. That is the real goal. They are not here to advocate for vulnerable students, staff, or faculty.

The bottom line

Taken together, the developments around US universities are failing to protect victims of sexual assault point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.