Cornell University has appointed Sally Yates, a former Deputy Attorney General under Obama, to lead an independent review of the school’s handling of sexual assault allegations following scrutiny over an alleged gang rape at a fraternity in October 2024. Yates’ firm, King & Spalding, will have access to internal documents related to the case.
Yates, who was nominated by Obama in 2015 and has a reputation for her challenges to Trump’s administration, was fired after refusing to defend a controversial travel ban. Her extensive Justice Department background includes prosecuting significant cases and leading an investigation into misconduct in the National Women’s Soccer League.
Cornell is already under investigation by New York Attorney General Letitia James regarding the alleged incident. The two investigations are separate, focusing on the specific case and the university’s overall policies on sexual assault allegations, respectively.
