Cornell University has suspended all social events at campus fraternity houses for the remainder of the academic year.
The move comes as the university reviews its response to a student's allegation of gang rape at a fraternity in October 2024.
Cornell also announced that Sally Yates will lead an independent review of its handling of sexual assault and dating violence allegations.
Yates and her firm, King & Spalding, will have access to internal records, including case files, oversight documents, law enforcement communications, and disciplinary hearing records.
Cornell President Michael I. Kotlikoff outlined additional support measures for sexual assault survivors in a letter to the campus community.
He cited concerns raised by students, faculty, staff, parents, alumni, and trustees.
"I have spent the past weeks listening to students, faculty, staff, parents, alumni, and trustees, who have shared their feelings of deep connection and sympathy with Jane Doe, anger and frustration that this could happen at Cornell, and outrage at the broader prevalence of sexual violence against women in our society," Kotlikoff said.
Cornell said Yates was selected because of her experience conducting independent investigations for institutions and boards.
Her review will run separately from a state investigation led by New York Attorney General Letitia James.
"Their expertise in higher education and extensive experience conducting independent investigations for boards and institutions," Cornell said in a statement.
Yates previously served as deputy attorney general during the Obama administration.
She was fired by President Donald Trump in 2017 after refusing to defend a travel restriction order.
"The acting Attorney General, Sally Yates, has betrayed the Department of Justice by refusing to enforce a legal order designed to protect the citizens of the United States," the White House said in a statement at the time.
Yates later returned to private practice and led an investigation into sexual misconduct and abuse in the National Women's Soccer League.
She has also testified before Congress on the 2016 Russian interference investigation.
"My responsibility is to ensure that the position of the Department of Justice is not only legally defensible, but is informed by our best view of what the law is after consideration of all the facts," Yates said.
"In addition, I am responsible for ensuring that the positions we take in court remain consistent with this institution's solemn obligation to always seek justice and stand for what is right," she added.
Cornell previously investigated the alleged assault and imposed suspensions and expulsions on several students accused of involvement.
A lawsuit filed by the alleged victim renewed scrutiny of the university's response.
"As part of that broader mandate, Yates and her team will conduct a detailed review of the university's response to the allegations involving Jane Doe and members of the Chi Phi fraternity in October 2024, including whether Cornell followed its policies and procedures in responding to the matter," Cornell said.
