Cornell University announced Tuesday that former U.S. Deputy Attorney General Sally Q. Yates will lead a comprehensive independent review of how the school prevents and responds to sexual harassment, sexual assault, and related misconduct on campus.

The review will specifically examine whether Cornell followed its policies and procedures in handling allegations brought by a student known as Jane Doe against members of the Chi Phi fraternity in October 2024.

Yates, who served as acting attorney general and deputy attorney general during the Obama administration, is now a partner at the law firm King & Spalding. She will oversee a broad assessment of Cornell's approach to sexual harassment, assault, and related issues, including compliance with Title IX, the Clery Act, and state laws.

The move follows a lawsuit filed last month by Jane Doe against the university, the fraternity, seven fraternity members, and others. The suit alleges the school failed to protect her and adequately punish the accused students after she reported being drugged and sexually assaulted at the fraternity house.

Campus police received her report in November 2024. Documents later showed that a condensed statement sent to the Tompkins County district attorney omitted her explicit claim of rape, contributing to the initial decision not to pursue charges. Cornell conducted its own internal investigation and imposed disciplinary measures, including expulsions and suspensions for some involved students.

The case gained renewed attention after the lawsuit and subsequent reporting highlighted gaps in information sharing and investigation. Protests erupted on campus Monday, and the Faculty Senate introduced a no-confidence resolution against the administration. New York Governor Kathy Hochul appointed state Attorney General Letitia James as special prosecutor to examine the criminal aspects.

An attorney for one of the accused students welcomed the independent review, stating that Yates' experience as a prosecutor and investigator makes her suitable to examine the full record.

University officials said the review will identify strengths and weaknesses in Cornell's overall approach to sexual misconduct and recommend improvements to enhance campus safety. The announcement comes amid broader scrutiny of how colleges handle such allegations.