Cornell Catholic Community issues letter after campus protests

The Cornell Catholic Community issued a pastoral letter on October 7 encouraging students to participate in difficult public discussions with courage and charity. The letter, titled "Salt, Leaven, and Light," follows campus protests regarding how Cornell University handled alleged sexual assaults involving Chi Phi fraternity members in 2024.

Deacon Matthew Hall, Father Daniel McMullin, and Father David Cataline led the community in stating that campus ministry is providing prayer, pastoral care, and support to students affected by sexual violence. The pastoral letter addresses Catholic teachings on marriage, sexuality, the theology of the body, and moral reasoning. It also discusses the relationship between freedom and authority and the Christian vocation to contribute to the moral life of a community.

The protests stem from a civil lawsuit filed by a former student alleging sexual assault by fraternity members at the Ithaca, New York, campus. This case has led to scrutiny of the university's disciplinary processes, and New York Attorney General Letitia James has opened a criminal investigation into how the allegations were handled.