Campus Reckoning: 'Cornell Is Now Known for This'

Cornell University students are grappling with a high-profile criminal investigation tied to allegations from a 2024 fraternity party, while broader campus scrutiny of fraternity culture and pro-Palestinian demonstrations intensifies. The article says some students fear being associated with the scandal and declined interviews. Tuition is cited at $73,946 per year, with students questioning whether Cornell’s reputation will help or harm them professionally. The piece notes renewed attention to claims involving ketamine as an accepted social lubricant in some houses, alongside other controversies including antisemitism allegations and an incident where the university president bumped a student with his car. Gov. Kathy Hochul denounced local prosecutor and campus police handling, appointing state Attorney General Letitia James to investigate the rape allegations. Seven men accused denied claims; the university and prosecutors said the same.