The Spire

Kaitlyn Richards ‘29

Chief News Editor

A sexual assault lawsuit involving Cornell University has sparked a national conversation about sexual violence on college campuses.

The case centers on a former Cornell student, anonymous plaintiff  “Jane Doe,” who filed a lawsuit against the Cornell Chi Phi fraternity and seven former fraternity members. The lawsuit alleged that she was drugged with ketamine and then gang-raped by seven fraternity members at the Chi Phi fraternity house during an incident that allegedly occurred on Oct. 19-20, 2024. Jane Doe claims that Cornell University both failed to protect her and properly handle the investigation after the initial report. 

The case gained national attention following student journalists at the Cornell Daily Sun uncovering the story, leading colleges across the country to engage in renewed conversations regarding sexual violence prevention, support for survivors, and institutional responsibility. At Holy Cross, administrators and student leaders say the discussion surrounding Cornell’s case underscores the importance of education, prevention efforts, and accessible resources for students. 

In a campus-wide statement on Oct. 5, Vice President of Student Development Koren Bakkegard acknowledged the impact that the recent news may have on members of the Holy Cross community. 

“The reports emerging from Cornell University are deeply distressing and can be triggering for all of us, but especially for survivors of sexual assault,” Bakkegard wrote. “It’s important for our entire campus to make space and support one another.”

Bakkegard emphasizes that sexual misconduct has no place in the Holy Cross community, as it is “prohibited under the Sexual Misconduct Policy, and is counter to our Jesuit, Catholic educational mission.”

Additionally, the College’s student education group of Relationship Peer Educators (RPEs) addressed the conversation in a statement shared on social media. The organization reiterated that it is committed to supporting survivors and fostering a community that is free from sexual violence. 

“As a group, we support survivors and believe that all survivors deserve to be respected. In upholding this belief, it is important to remember that consent cannot be obtained in any situation where the individual is incapacitated.” stated the statement from the RPEs. 

As RPEs, members are trained to offer support, education, and facilitate meaningful discussion through educational programming on issues of sexual assault, misconduct, consent, and other forms of interpersonal violence for the Holy Cross community. The RPEs state that “we do this to reduce sexual violence on campus and promote a culture of healthy relationships. In keeping with our mission, we call all Holy Cross members to remember the role bystanders can play in preventing harm on campus.” 

Likewise, in an exclusive statement to The Spire, the Office of Title IX and Equal Opportunity noted that the increasing national attention surrounding sexual violence can create opportunities for education and change, while also being difficult for survivors and others who have been personally impacted.

“At Holy Cross, you deserve to feel safe, respected, and supported.” The office stated that sexual misconduct has no place in our community.  “If you or someone you care about has been affected by sexual or gender-based harm, harassment, or discrimination, you are not alone. There are people here who want to help.” 

The office emphasized that students have control over whether and when they seek support. 

“You decide which resources feel right for you and when to use them. The Office of Title IX & Equal Opportunity is a neutral facilitator of the processes outlined in the College’s policies. Our role includes making sure that everyone involved in the process understands their options, rights, and available support. Whether you want to talk to someone confidentially, learn about your options, or make a report, you are in control of your next step. There is no wrong way to seek support, and you don’t need to be sure about what you want before you reach out. We are here to listen, answer questions, and connect you with resources.” 

Additionally, the office reflected the broader national attention the Cornell case has generated and the impact those discussions may have on college campuses. 

“The College is committed to creating an environment of well-being, learning, and accountability by preventing sexual misconduct and addressing its effects,” said Title IX. “Sexual violence occurs on campuses throughout the country, including at Holy Cross. The Office of Title IX and Equal Opportunity responds to reports of sexual violence, discrimination, and harassment and offers those impacted options and resources to pursue accountability and support.”

Title IX administrators believe that raising awareness of the prevalence of sexual violence, and the factors that perpetuate or enable it, is an important component of the prevention efforts on college campuses. 

They note that “Real cultural transformation requires honest reflection and acknowledgment of an issue, followed by sustained efforts to change.”

“At the same time, we recognize that increased attention and discussion of this topic may be triggering for those who have been personally impacted by it, bringing up difficult thoughts and feelings. There are confidential resources, such as CAPS and the Office of the College Chaplains, available to support students in navigating through this time.”

The office further explained that its role extends beyond administrative processes.

“Our office serves as a resource provider, not only as a place to file a complaint,” the statement read. “Depending on the specific circumstances and needs of the student, regardless of whether they engage in a formal process, we can help identify and put in place supportive measures related to academics, housing, and other concrete needs.”

Officials also encouraged bystanders to report concerns when they witness incidents of sexual violence or misconduct.

“Bystanders are encouraged to make a report about an incident they witness,” the office stated. “While the office cannot provide details about how the report proceeds to non-parties, we will reach out to the impacted person to share their options and connect them to resources.”

The office additionally highlighted the distinction between campus disciplinary procedures and criminal investigations.

“The Office of Title IX and Equal Opportunity addresses conduct under College policies, which is distinct from a criminal process,” the statement explained. “The Holy Cross Department of Public Safety has certified sexual assault investigators on staff who can assist students interested in pursuing criminal options, including through partnerships with off-campus criminal agencies. Students may choose to pursue one of these processes, both, or neither.”

Beyond response and support services, the College continues to invest in prevention and educational programming. The Office of Title IX and Equal Opportunity’s Prevention Education team works to build a safer, more respectful, and inclusive campus community by teaching students practical skills related to healthy relationships, consent, boundaries, communication, supportive response, and bystander intervention.

“Prevention is a shared responsibility,” the office stated. “The Prevention Education team works closely with the Relationship Peer Educators (RPEs), advised and extensively trained by Jill Kelley, Associate Director of Prevention and Education. RPEs play an important role in delivering required prevention education, serving as thought partners to the Office, and hosting additional peer-to-peer programming.”

As conversations surrounding the Cornell lawsuit continue nationally, Holy Cross administrators, educators, and student leaders maintain that preventing sexual violence requires ongoing education, accountability, support for survivors, and active participation from the entire campus community.

Students seeking support can access confidential resources through Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), the Office of the College Chaplains, Liz Drexler Hines, Director of Student Wellness Education, and Pathways for Change/YWCA. Additional information about support services and reporting options is available through the Office of Title IX and Equal Opportunity.

Below are resources available to students:

Confidential Resources

You can speak with these resources confidentially. They will not share what you tell them without your permission, except in rare situations involving imminent safety concerns.

• Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS): Professional, confidential counseling and mental health support.
• Liz Drexler Hines, Director of Student Wellness Education: The College’s Primary Confidential Resource Provider. She can talk through your options and help you find support.
• Office of the College Chaplains: Confidential spiritual and emotional support, open to students of all faith backgrounds.
• Pathways for Change /YWCA: Confidential advocacy, counseling, and support in the community.

Reporting Resources

If you choose to make a report, or just want to learn what reporting involves, these offices can help:

• Office of Title IX & Equal Opportunity: You can make a report at holycross.edu/makeareport.The form lets you submit a report anonymously if you prefer. Reporting does not commit you to any particular next step.
• Department of Public Safety: Available for immediate safety concerns and for reporting to campus safety.

Peer Support and Prevention Education

• Relationship Peer Educators (RPEs): Trained student peers who offer education and a peer-to-peer space to talk about healthy relationships, consent, and boundaries. 

Copy Edited by Eliza Martin, ‘29