There are instances where a story is so shocking that it garners widespread attention, even from those who might not typically engage with the issue. The alleged gang rape incident at Cornell University in 2024 is one such case.
For advocates focused on violence against women and those concerned about sexual assault on campuses, the allegations presented in Jane Doe’s civil lawsuit against the accused parties stand out due to their alarming nature. However, statistics indicate that between 20% and 25% of female college students will experience sexual assault during their time at university, with no corresponding data revealing the percentage of male students who may commit such acts.
This context highlights that the public’s call for accountability for seven male students misses a larger issue: countless stories of sexual assault on campuses go unheard. It is well-documented that nearly every university in the U.S. has instances of both victims and perpetrators within its community. Moreover, a key factor in these occurrences is the “Red Zone,” a timeframe from the start of the fall semester until Thanksgiving when a significant number of sexual assaults take place. This period, lasting approximately six to ten weeks, coincides with a rise in student social activities, leaving new students, often unfamiliar with their surroundings and available support, particularly vulnerable.
The structure of Greek life on campuses further complicates the situation. Sororities generally prohibit alcohol, positioning fraternities as the primary venues for alcohol-fueled parties. This dynamic can lead to young women being placed in risky situations where they may be intoxicated and vulnerable to manipulation and assault.
Research indicates that alcohol is frequently used by assailants in sexual assault cases, as individuals under the influence may be incapable of giving consent. Fraternities have often been in the spotlight for their irresponsible behavior, including hazing practices that can be dangerous or even lethal.
An editorial from the Cornell student newspaper brought attention to the troubling statistic that 15% of students at the university have experienced nonconsensual sexual contact, with a disproportionate number of these incidents occurring within fraternity settings. Following the allegations, the fraternity involved faced suspension from campus.
While sexual assault remains a pervasive issue across the nation, recent actions by the Trump administration have raised concerns about the protections afforded to survivors. The Department of Education has reverted to regulations from the previous Trump administration that critics argue undermine the voices of survivors and facilitate impunity for offenders, including those within the LGBTQ+ community.
The administration’s support appears to extend to individuals accused of serious crimes, as evidenced by its intervention in the case of Andrew Tate, who faces multiple charges related to assault and trafficking. Additionally, Russell Brand, who has been charged with sexual assault, was recently selected to co-host a panel discussion at a conference organized by the administration.
Despite the criminal justice system’s role in addressing sexual assault, conviction rates remain alarmingly low for various reasons. Although feminist advocacy has improved the legal framework to better support victims, significant cultural change is essential for lasting impact.
Sexual violence often stems from a sense of entitlement and the dehumanization of women, reflecting broader societal norms regarding masculinity and femininity. The idea that dominance and control enhance male status, coupled with the perception that women’s bodies are commodities, perpetuates this cycle of abuse.
In a poignant reflection on the Cornell incident, feminist author Soraya Chemaly references anthropologist Peggy Sanday, who distinguishes between “rape-prone” and “rape-free” societies. Sanday’s research suggests that communities where women enjoy greater autonomy and respect are less likely to experience sexual violence, while those that normalize such behavior create systems that reinforce male dominance and hierarchical competition.
Sanday’s book, “Fraternity Gang Rape,” explores the daily lives within fraternity culture, emphasizing the negative influences of pornography, male bonding, and degrading initiation rituals. Tragic incidents, such as the death of a Cornell freshman during a hazing event at a nearby fraternity in 2020, underscore the urgent need for reform.
Achieving true, sustainable change requires addressing the political, legal, economic, and cultural equality of women. This necessitates dismantling the misogynistic structures that empower men within fraternity environments, which, while conferring status and power, ultimately distort their moral compass and contribute to the dehumanization evident in cases like the one at Cornell.
Rebecca Solnit is a columnist for the Guardian US.
