A Question of Accountability

On September 2026, a former Cornell University student filed a civil lawsuit alleging that she was sexually assaulted by seven fraternity brothers in November of 2024. Jane Doe, the pseudonym of the woman who filed the suit, reported this incident to the Cornell campus police in November of 2024. The public response to this case has spread far beyond Cornell’s classroom: online, the phrase “I am Jane Doe” has proliferated across social media as individuals express support for the victim. This action led to the expulsion of two students and suspension of five others with an additional punishment of an assigned essay. Many believe that, “an essay for SA” is a punishment that diminishes the severity of the Cornell 7’s alleged acts. Beyond the details of the case itself, this triggers the examination of how institutions handle sexual assault allegations and whether it truly addresses the harm that ensued.

CDC the Centers for Disease Control predicts that nearly 47 percent of women have experienced sexual violence in their lifetimes, and that over 1 in 6 men have experienced some form of sexual violence. This data illustrates that sexual violence is not an isolated issue. Rather, it is a broad societal problem that deserves reform. When large institutions are faced with these allegations, it demands us to ask for more meaningful accountability through disciplinary action. While an assigned essay may provoke reflection, the nature of the punishment pales in comparison to Jane Doe’s plight, which amplifies concern with higher education’s lack of protection for women. Moreover, a simple essay will never prevent similar events from reoccurring. On top of all the academic and social pressures that arise in college, students should not have to worry about whether or not they could be sexually assaulted. Universities must establish clear procedures for investigating and provide support for students who have undergone such trauma.

Furthermore, being high school students, we can prevent sexual assaults from occurring by educating ourselves on healthy boundaries and consent. Instead of being bystanders, we should intervene safely if we witness something unsettling. The protests surrounding Cornell 7 demonstrate that people require more than statements of concern; they need lasting change. Solidarity for these issues must spread in schools. If educators and administration discuss issues such as violence against women and sexual assault prevention, it will bring more awareness to these necessary issues and stigmatize sexual assault.