Judge Grants Anonymity in Cornell University Sexual Assault Lawsuit

Source reports published 24 Oct 2026, 8:46 am – 10:00 am AEST

A judge ruled that the plaintiff, known as Jane Doe, can remain anonymous in a civil lawsuit alleging sexual assault involving seven former Cornell University Chi Phi fraternity members. The ruling prioritizes privacy protections for the plaintiff and defendants due to concerns about threats and potential harm.

What happened

• A judge, Phaedra Perry-Bond, granted Jane Doe, the plaintiff in a civil lawsuit alleging sexual assault involving seven former members of Cornell University’s Chi Phi fraternity, the right to remain anonymous.
• The ruling stemmed from concerns about threats, retaliation, and the potential harm resulting from publicly identifying the plaintiff.
• The judge suggested extending anonymity protections to the defendants.
• Court filings will conceal Jane Doe’s identity and sensitive information, while defendants can privately share identifying details for investigative purposes.
• The judge warned against cyberstalking, harassment, or threats against Jane Doe, the defendants, or their attorneys, potentially leading to federal criminal prosecution.
• The lawsuit alleges a gang-rape incident occurred in 2024 at a fraternity house.
• Protests erupted on Cornell’s Ithaca campus, with students criticizing university officials and demanding the resignation of President Michael Kotlikoff.
• Demonstrators voiced concerns about the handling of the allegations and chanted slogans related to patriarchal structures and fraternity bans.
• The case prompted the reopening of a criminal investigation initially closed without charges.

Original reporting

• CBS News: Judge allows Jane Doe to remain anonymous in Cornell University sexual assault lawsuit
  2026-10-23T22:46:47+00:00
• Guardian: Judge rules Cornell’s ‘Jane Doe’ can use pseudonym in suit over alleged gang-rape
  2026-10-24T00:00:00+00:00