Cornell University Appoints Sally Yates to Lead Review of Sexual Misconduct Procedures
Cornell University has appointed former Department of Justice official Sally Yates to lead a review of the university's procedures for handling sexual misconduct complaints, investigations into sexual assault, student support, disciplinary processes, and oversight of student organizations. This review follows…
Chattanooga, TN, October 6, 2026 —
Cornell University has announced the appointment of Sally Yates, a former U.S. Department of Justice official, to lead an independent review of its comprehensive procedures concerning sexual misconduct.
The review will encompass several critical areas, including the university’s protocols for handling sexual misconduct complaints, the processes for investigating allegations of sexual assault, the provision of student support services, disciplinary procedures, and the oversight mechanisms for student organizations.
This initiative comes in the wake of significant public outcry and a lawsuit filed against the university. The legal action and public reaction were reportedly triggered by allegations of sexual assault that occurred at a fraternity house.
Sally Yates brings extensive experience from her tenure at the Department of Justice, where she held various senior positions. Her role at Cornell will involve a thorough examination of existing policies and practices related to sexual misconduct and assault.
The university stated that the objective of the review is to identify areas for improvement and ensure that Cornell’s systems are robust, fair, and effectively address the complex issues surrounding sexual misconduct and student safety.
The specific details of the lawsuit and the nature of the fraternity house allegations were not provided in the summary. The timeline for the completion of Yates’s review and any potential recommendations has also not been disclosed.
Story summarized from the original created by Associated Press on www.wdef.com, see more information here.
