Amid assault scandal, Cornell Catholics offer prayer, pastoral care

Catholic leaders at Cornell University released an 11-page pastoral letter to guide students following a civil lawsuit alleging a gang rape at a campus fraternity house in 2024. The lawsuit, filed on Sept. 16 by a former undergraduate student, names Cornell University and the Chi Phi Fraternity as defendants. The plaintiff alleges seven men sexually assaulted her while she was intoxicated by alcohol, ketamine, and marijuana.

Deacon Matthew J. Hall, associate director of the Cornell Catholic Community, said the community is responding through prayer, pastoral care, and a commitment to student formation. He noted that the news has resurfaced painful memories for students who have experienced sexual violence or related accusations. Hall, who works alongside chaplains Father Daniel T. McMullin and Father David Cataline, stated that the community is providing steadfast accompaniment to these students.

The university faces scrutiny over how officials handled the case, leading to campus protests and the appointment of New York State Attorney General Letitia James as a special prosecutor to investigate the matter.