CHICO, Calif. — A sexual assault lawsuit involving a Cornell University fraternity is drawing attention on college campuses across the country, including at Chico State, where students say the allegations have raised concerns about sexual violence, fraternity culture and how universities respond to reports of assault.
A former Cornell student filed a lawsuit this month alleging she was drugged and sexually assaulted by members of the unaffiliated Chi Phi fraternity at the university in 2024. The lawsuit names Cornell University, fraternity organizations and seven current and former students as defendants. The allegations have prompted the Tompkins County District Attorney’s Office to reopen a criminal investigation.
The case has also sparked controversy over how Cornell handled its internal disciplinary process. Cornell has denied that the students accused in the lawsuit were punished only by being required to write essays. The university said its investigation resulted in suspensions and expulsions, although it has not publicly detailed the individual sanctions.
At Chico State, students said the allegations and the debate over accountability resonated with broader concerns about campus safety.
“I was horrified but not surprised,” said Annalee Scott, a Chico State senior studying public health.
Scott said she believes the controversy surrounding the university’s response is particularly troubling. “The thing that’s really angering people is the essay portion of it, just the fact that nobody was really truly held accountable,” she said.
Scott said concerns about sexual violence can affect women beyond parties or Greek-life events, including when walking at night. “Every woman that I know is constantly looking over their shoulder a little bit,” she said. “I think frat culture definitely perpetuates rape culture,” she said.
Chico State freshman Kaya Cummings said she had a similar reaction to the Cornell allegations. “I was pretty disgusted, kind of terrified in a way. I was shocked for sure. It’s just a shocking situation but somehow, I wasn’t surprised,” Cummings said.
Cummings said her concerns extend to what she sees as a lack of transparency surrounding fraternity life, particularly during pledging and hazing. She said she has attended fraternity parties in Chico but feels less comfortable attending them after hearing about incidents of sexual misconduct and drugging.
“With these stories coming out, like, I’m a lot less attracted to them,” Cummings said. “I don’t really want to go. It doesn’t feel safe.”
Cummings emphasized that her comments were based on her own perceptions and experiences, as well as stories she has heard, rather than an allegation that a specific Chico State fraternity committed a crime. She said the Cornell case has made her think more critically about fraternity culture and the pressure some students may feel to remain silent.
“People are scared to speak up because they don’t want to get ostracized,” Cummings said.
Despite those concerns, Cummings said she believes Chico State makes information about support services accessible to students. “They’re very accessible,” she said. “If you just go up to them and ask for help they’ll get you there.”
Scott also said universities should ensure students who report sexual assault have access to as many resources as possible, including medical and investigative support.
Chico State offers resources related to sexual violence through programs and offices including WellCat Safe Place and the university’s Title IX resources, as well as its partnership with Catalyst Domestic Violence Services.
For students interviewed at Chico State, the case has become more than a story about what allegedly happened at another university. “We expect a lot out of young women who are college age to know better, but we don’t expect the same of college age young men to do better,” Scott said.
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