A student at Cornell University, who played a key role in organizing a town hall to address issues of sexual violence on campus following a lawsuit from Jane Doe alleging a gang rape at a fraternity house in 2024, expressed that many students feel “disappointed” with the university’s administration.
Adriana Vink, along with fellow members of the Student Assembly, stated that the purpose of the town hall was to provide a platform for students, including those who were present during the alleged incident and its aftermath, to “discuss this initial case” and “the administration’s inadequate response to it.” The event saw a significant turnout, with several attendees sharing their personal experiences related to sexual misconduct.
“As students, we want to highlight that Cornell is complicit in the culture of sexual violence both on campus and within Greek life,” Vink remarked during her interview on “CBS Mornings” with co-host Gayle King.
Vink referred to campus surveys regarding sexual misconduct, which revealed that in 2025, 35% of undergraduate women reported experiencing unwanted sexual behavior at Cornell, a notable increase from 23% in 2023, according to a statement released by the university in November 2025.
Furthermore, Vink pointed out the recent settlements involving Weill Cornell Medicine, where victims of sexual abuse by urologist Dr. Darius Paduch received over $1 billion in compensation. Paduch has since been sentenced to life imprisonment.
“This issue extends beyond our Ithaca campus,” Vink stated. “It reflects a broader failure by our administrators.”
When asked about her feelings of safety on campus, Vink admitted that it was a difficult question to answer.
“It feels disheartening to be at Cornell. There is a sense of frustration and anger among us. We feel profoundly let down by those in authority who are supposed to ensure our safety,” Vink expressed.
Cornell University indicated that it had carried out an internal investigation and hearings regarding the alleged assault. According to the university, two of the accused individuals were expelled, two received suspensions of at least two semesters, one graduated before any disciplinary action could be imposed, and two others were found not responsible for sexual misconduct. The fraternity involved was also disbanded in 2024 and banned from campus.
“The university undertook a thorough investigation and adjudication process over several months, applying different sanctions based on the findings and circumstances pertinent to each student,” Cornell stated in a FAQ section on its website following Jane Doe’s lawsuit.
The university also mentioned in the FAQ that it had established a Presidential Task Force on Campus Sexual Assault in early 2025, aimed at creating “a comprehensive public health approach to tackling sexual assault at Cornell” and that it is committed to implementing the recommendations made by the task force.
“We will persist in evaluating and enhancing our policies to ensure we are doing everything possible to cultivate an environment where sexual misconduct is not tolerated, where individuals who come forward are supported, and where those found responsible are held accountable,” the university affirmed.
While no criminal charges were filed in Jane Doe’s case initially, prosecutors have since reopened the investigation. Attorneys representing two of the accused individuals have issued statements to CBS News denying the allegations against their clients, while others have not made public comments.
Vink expressed hope that Cornell will take further actions, including removing the remaining fraternity members allegedly involved and rescinding the degrees of those who have already graduated.
“The student body at Cornell is firmly supportive of Jane Doe in her lawsuit against these fraternity members,” Vink concluded.
