Something Was Wrong - S26 Ep16: JUSTICE FOR JANE DOE

Starting point is 00:00:00 Before we begin, as always, please take caution when listening, as this episode discusses sexual assault, rape, and gang rape. It's also important to be clear for legal reasons that no one has been criminally charged in connection with Jane Doe's case yet. The case and the public's understanding of the facts and evidence involved is ongoing. As always, full content warnings, sources, and resources can be found in the episode notes. Any linked materials or opinion should not be misconstrued as a substitution for legal or medical advice. Thank you so much.

Starting point is 00:00:38 So if you are at another New York State School, ban the brass! Jane Doe deserved an administration that delivered a fair and proper judicial process. Jane Doe deserved a police department that would actually follow up on her case. Instead, she was silenced. Her rape was free to walk the grounds of Cornell under a system that chose the university over the students. No justice, no peace. Last season, we examined what can happen when survivors of sexual violence turn to the institutions tasked with protecting them and the devastating ways Title IX can fail the very survivors it was created to protect.

Starting point is 00:01:40 Over the last few weeks, millions have learned of a survivor publicly known, known as Jane Doe, whose pursuit of justice has ignited outrage at Cornell University and far beyond. We plan to begin Chapter 3 of Season 26 today. But given the importance of this matter, we're pausing to stand with Jane Doe and with every survivor who has ever had to fight to be heard, believed, protected, or taken seriously. Jane Doe's decision to advocate for herself and others is a remarkable display of strength and bravery. I'm Tiffany Reese, and this is something was wrong. You think you know me, you don't know me well at all. You don't know anybody till you talk to someone. Jane Doe's civil filing reports that in August of

Starting point is 00:02:51 She arrived at Cornell University for her freshman year with, quote, similar hopes, expectations and trepidations of other high school graduates embarking on something so seemingly monumental, end quote. She soon joined the Greek system by rushing Delta Delta Delta, also frequently referred to as tri-Delta. Jane would eventually live in the sorority house and become deeply involved in Greek life. Cornell University has a long tradition of Greek life on campus, self-reporting that approximately one-third of students are active in fraternities and sororities. Reportedly, many large donors of the university have strong ties to these organizations as well.

Starting point is 00:03:37 According to Confidential University records obtained and reported by the New York Times, on October 19, 2024, Jane Doe was a 20-year-old sophomore at Cornell University. Jane reported that her wallet and identification had been stolen earlier that morning. Later that evening, she attended a date party hosted by her sorority, Delta Delta Delta. Jane later told Title IX investigators that she had originally been assigned to serve as a sober event monitor but learned that someone else had taken over the responsibility. Jane, along with others, consumed alcohol at the event. When the group prepared to leave for Mooney's, a bar in downtown Ithaca, New York,

Starting point is 00:04:18 Jane discovered that her sorority sisters had not included her in their transportation arrangements. According to her account, she became upset and began crying. Jane said the sorority's house mother, an employee responsible for reporting misconduct, drove her to the bar. In her civil lawsuit, Jane alleges that the house mother should have recognized she was intoxicated. Once inside Mooney's, Jane told investigators that an employee marked her hand with an ex to indicate she was under the legal drinking age of 21. Despite this, Jane reported that she was able to purchase alcohol by concealing the marking when ordering. Jane's lawsuit also names Tri-Delta as a defendant, alleging that the sorority failed to adequately prevent underage and excessive drinking at its house and social events.

Starting point is 00:05:07 These allegations raise broader questions about Cornell's existing safety policies for fraternity and sorority events, and whether those policies were being adequately enforced. To understand the significance of these safeguards, it's important to examine the university's history. Concerns about safety within Cornell's Greek life community long predated Jane Doe's allegations. In February 2011, 19-year-old George Desdun died from alcohol poisoning following a fraternity hazing event involving Sigma Alpha Epsilon. In October 2019, 18-year-old Antonio Cialas was found, dead in Fall Creek Gorge. Both deaths raised serious concerns about fraternity oversight and student safety. Then, in November 22, reports that a student had been sexually assaulted and at least

Starting point is 00:06:02 four others had been drugged at off-campus fraternity parties over several weeks, prompted renewed scrutiny and additional safety measures. Cornell's Greek life policies included restrictions on hard liquor, a 1 a.m. cutoff for events serving alcohol, random security checks and requirements for designated event monitors. Under university rules, fraternities and sororities were required to identify at least one trained event monitor for every 25 attendees and submit their names before the event. These monitors were required to remain sober, complete regular training, and wear distinctive clothing so they could be easily identified in an emergency. Their responsibilities included taking reasonable steps to prevent overcrowding,

Starting point is 00:06:49 underage drinking, and other violations of university policy. Yet, despite these safeguards, questions about their implementation would become central to Jane Doe's case. According to university records, paperwork submitted ahead of the Kai-5 fraternity party on October 19, 24, identified seven designated event monitors. One of those monitors was Jonathan Newell, who would later be named as a defendant in Jane Doe's civil lawsuit. At Cornell University,

Starting point is 00:07:21 sober monitoring is tied closely to campus Greek life guidelines, university event rules, and student-run safety groups. Despite being underage, Jane reports she was served about 10 drinks in three hours' time at Moonies, before being invited to come to Kai Fai to hang out with a friend of Jane's, Matthew Ingalls.

Starting point is 00:07:42 According to several accounts of the evening, including Jane's, she initially consented to having a threesome with two men, fraternity brothers, Matthew Ingalls, and Jonathan Newell. Due to the graphic and sensitive nature of what took place after the initial consensual sexual contact began, I'm going to be brief here. Jane reports she grew increasingly intoxicated and that she was coerced into the use of ketamine,

Starting point is 00:08:08 and other drugs supplied and encouraged by the men. She later would tell investigators that at the time, she was, quote, probably the drunkest I've ever been in my life, end quote. Jane would also tell investigators that she had never done ketamine before. Ketamine impacts users by causing dissociation, which can make a person feel disconnected from their body and their environment. It can cause confusion, memory loss, dizziness, impaired coordination, and changes in perception of time, sight, and sound.

Starting point is 00:08:43 It can also increase heart rate and blood pressure and cause muscle stiffness. At higher doses, ketamine can cause severe sedation, unconsciousness, amnesia, and a state of profound dissociation and unresponsiveness, sometimes referred to as a k-hole. These effects can leave a person unable to adequately understand stand or respond or consent to what is happening to or around them. Ketamine has also been associated with drug-facilitated sexual assault because its effects can impair someone's awareness, judgment, coordination, memory, and ability to respond.

Starting point is 00:09:24 In liquid form, ketamine is colorless and odorless and can be difficult to detect when added to a beverage. Use of ketamine can result in serious physical and psychological. effects, including delirium, amnesia, impaired motor function, increased blood pressure, and potentially dangerous respiratory complications, particularly when combined with other substances. According to civil documents and reported by the New York Times, there was a 57-person Kai Phi group Snapchat, which included disgusting, graphic, violent, and racist conversation. One of the Snapchat messages was especially disturbing. Jonathan Newell encouraged other members to join them in their room for, quote, free pussy, end quote.

Starting point is 00:10:19 Other snap messages from that night, which I have reviewed and do not recommend, as they made me physically ill and lightheaded due to their sickening nature, they're disturbing and alarming, racist, violent, abhorrent. 57. 57 members of the Kai-5 fraternity were in that thread, and none of them intervened or spoke up on Jane's behalf. The closest thing to a damnation was when one man wrote, quote, yuck, end quote. Some discussion in the chat thread alluded to this not being the first time,

Starting point is 00:10:59 stating, quote, I hope she's not fat this time, end quote. According to their own statements given to Cornell University's Title IX investigators later, after the snap message from Newell was broadcast to 57 men, five other men entered the room that night. Winston Lee, Gileo Lopes, Diego Sarabia, Scott Norris, and Scott Kretschmar. I will not be detailing everything Jane Doe shared that she went through that night, due to the upsetting and graphic nature. Jane Doe would later describe the night to Jonathan Newell in a text as, quote,

Starting point is 00:11:41 90% of what happened was non-consensual. End quote, I told you I was uncomfortable. End quote. The civil suit also reports that the assaults went on for over seven hours into the morning of October 20th, 2024. At one point, feeling trapped and unsure how to make the nightmare end, Jane stated that she even tried to hide under the sheets from the men. It was reported by one man in the Snapchat conversation

Starting point is 00:12:12 that physical violence was introduced during the assaults as well, which left bruises on Jane, which she would document in pictures taken in the days that followed. Both Jane and her roommates reported to Title IX investigators that Jane arrived home around 1115 a.m. They described her speech as wired and fuzzy. Jane's roommates reported that Jane seemed to still be processing what had happened. By definition, processing trauma is nonlinear, highly individualized, and requires the nervous system

Starting point is 00:12:49 to first feel safe before deep emotional work can begin. After a traumatic event, the nervous system and body stay stuck in survival modes, like fight, flight, freeze, or fawn, making immediate cognitive processing impossible until the internal alarm quietes down and allows them to process. Like grief, there are often stages in coming to terms with sexual assault. The next day, Jane texted with two to three of the men involved. One man even apologized to Jane via text for what happened, which Jane accepted and replied, quote, it's okay, none of the sexual stuff was illegal, end quote, which would later be used against her by those who questioned Jane Doe's reporting of events.

Starting point is 00:13:39 However, as we know, survivors often struggle to come to terms and process the harm in the immediate aftermath of sexual assault, especially when drugs and alcohol are involved. One roommate would later report that it was as though Jane wanted to first convince herself that everything was consensual. This is not uncommon for survivors of sexual violence. On October 22, 2024, Jane went to Cornell's student health department to seek treatment for a UTI and do an STI screening. Jane reports that she told the doctor that the UTI happened in a traumatic way. But instead of questioning her for more information, the doctor encouraged her to talk to a therapist.

Starting point is 00:14:25 According to Doe's lawsuit, the health professional did not elicit a rape kit, physical exam, or documentation. In the days and weeks that followed, Jane began hearing that there were rumors and judgments circulating in Greek life and on campus as gossip continued to spread. In distress, Jane reached out to Matthew Ingalls via text, in part writing, quote, bro, everybody knows, end quote, which Ingalls assured her would blow over soon. Jane tells Ingalls that this had, quote, ruined her life temporarily and that all she wanted to do was cry and sleep all day. Ingalls tells Jane that she didn't have anything to be ashamed of.

Starting point is 00:15:12 Jane's former roommate reported Jane was increasingly upset over the rumors and judgment, and due to this, Jane told her that if anyone asked her about it, to say it didn't happen. Like Jane, many victims of sexual violence struggle to come to terms with what happened and sometimes report trying to compartmentalize what happened from their lives and make an effort to try and forget and move on. Given the severe harm and trauma rape causes, it makes sense that victim survivors are desperate to cope with the shock, psychological, and physical pain in many different ways before they're able to exit their fighter flight state and

Starting point is 00:15:53 fully process. The public discourse on campus continued as Jane came across the post on a Cornell Greek Life Forum, approximately a week after the alleged assault, which was titled, quote, are the Kai Phi brothers Crips or Bloods, because I hear they have been doing hell gangbanging, end quote. Under the post, a comment read, quote, they do drugs and they gang raped a sophomore, report them, end quote. Distressed, Jane again reaches out to one of the involved men and tells him about the forum post. He responded, quote, that's ridiculous, I'm going to report it, end quote.

Starting point is 00:16:37 As Jane Doe continued to try to compartmentalize and move forward with her sophomore year, she had made plans to attend the upcoming Kai Phi Halloween party with her sorority sisters. She shared with Ingalls that she was hesitant, given all the rumors and gossip, and he assured her it would be fine. Shortly after, Jane says she was contacted by the fraternity's president, who was not directly involved, but that told her that due to the ensuing drama, she should not attend the party. Jane later followed up with a text that said, quote, I knew this was going to happen. The woman will always get the short end of this stick. y'all aren't my friends, y'all are covering your asses, end quote. Beginning to come to terms with what happened,

Starting point is 00:17:25 Jane eventually went to an emergency room in Ithaca to request a rape kit on November 7, 2004. The next day, Jane filed a report with campus police. According to the New York Times, Doe explicitly told police she was assaulted and described emotional pressure to participate and said she was physically hit. She told the investigator, quote, I can say with 100% confidence, I was raped, end quote. The over 120-page transcript of Jane's interview was condensed into a six-page document that was included as part of the campus police investigation, which was later passed on to the Tompkins County DA, Matthew Van Houghton. It's very

Starting point is 00:18:14 important to note that the DA never bothered to interview Jane himself and relied solely on this high-level six-page interview summary. The DA would later claim that in accordance with New York state law, he felt charges could not be brought. One of the hurdles cited by prosecution was what some view as a loophole in New York state law. Under New York state law, quote, mental incapacitation occurs when a person can't control their own conduct because they were drugged without their consent, Van Houten said. It was argued that excerpts from Jane Doe's initial statement indicated she ingested some of the substances voluntarily. That complicated Jane's case, considering the statutory definition of mental incapacitation, focuses on the person

Starting point is 00:19:05 becoming intoxicated without their consent. Although the investigation, ended there at that time, a Title IX investigation was initiated by Jane on January 14, 2025. You may remember from season 25 that Title IX is a federal civil rights law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in education. The law was enacted in 1972 and states, quote, no person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance, end quote. Season 25 highlights several survivors' experiences of sexual assault and their consequent

Starting point is 00:20:06 journey of navigating the Title IX investigation process. Jane, her two former roommates, her sorority big sister, and six of the seven men, would be interviewed in the Title IX investigation. There were reportedly around a dozen Title IX hearings related to the investigation as well. According to confidential university records obtained by the New York Times, six of the seven accused men were interviewed during Cornell's Title IX investigation. Investigators also collected a statement. All of the men that Title IX spoke with denied wrongdoing,

Starting point is 00:20:43 but their accounts frequently contradicted one another and differed from Jane. Four men, Matthew Ingalls, Jonathan Newell, Gileo Lopes, and Winston Lee acknowledged sexual contact with Jane, but maintained that their encounters were consensual. According to Jane's account, Ingalls asked her to participate in a threesome with Newell. Newell told investigators that Ingalls had invited him to participate and that he assumed Ingalls had obtained Jane's permission. Nul maintained that Jane verbally consented to their sexual encounters. Lopes acknowledged sexual contact but claimed Jane initiated it without asking for his consent. Lee said he received oral sex from Jane and snorted ketamine off her body. He also claimed Jane initiated sexual activity without asking his consent,

Starting point is 00:21:34 but said he later obtained her verbal permission before participating in a threesome. Scott Norris and Diego Sarabia denied having sex with Jane. Sarabia acknowledged entering the room, while Norris said he briefly entered after receiving Newell's Snapchat message. These accounts differed from Jane's statements to investigators, in which she described being heavily intoxicated, coerced into consuming drugs and alcohol, and being subjected to repeated sexual acts without her consent.

Starting point is 00:22:04 In May 2025, Cornell's three-member Title IX disciplinary panel, met to evaluate their evidence. The panel found two men responsible for sexual assault. Matthew Ingalls and Jonathan Newell were both found responsible for sexual assault and expelled from Cornell. In Ingle's case, the panel found that he was willing to manipulate, exploit, and endanger Jane for his own interests and the entertainment of others. Gileo Lopes received a three-semester suspension and two years of probation. Winston Lee received a two-year suspension and several semesters of disciplinary probation. Both Lee and Lopes were also issued no-contact orders and required to compete sexual harassment

Starting point is 00:22:52 education and written reflection essays. Scott Kretschmar was found responsible for attempted sexual exploitation. He received educational sanctions, a written reflection assignment, and a no-contact order. Scott Norris also received a no-contact order, educational sanctions, and a reflection essay. Diego Sarabia, who had already graduated, was barred from Cornell's campus for three years. Kai Phi seemed to rule the swiftest, expelling seven men from Kai Phi within days of the police report being filed. The chapter had previously received several reprimands for things such as improper behavior, trash violations, public urination, and other issues. The fraternity itself was suspended and later

Starting point is 00:23:41 permanently closed and barred from the Cornell University campus. The Cornell Daily Sun is the oldest fully independent college newspaper in the United States. Its student run and does not receive funding from the university. The paper has been covering Jane Doe's story since November 8, 2024. The initial coverage by Benjamin Lines and the news department read, quote, fraternity suspended after individual reported being sexually assaulted by multiple males coerced into consuming drugs, including ketamine at house, end quote. November 18th, 2024, in a follow-up opinion piece in the Cornell Daily Sun, columnist Carlin Rayan wrote, in part, quote, to the rapists of Kai Fi. While you can flee your house when it gets egged and spray painted,

Starting point is 00:24:37 the person whose autonomy you stripped has to live with the trauma for a lifetime. In May, I wrote about the dangerous groupthink and predatory elements of frat culture in the wake of TDX's use of date rape drugs and sexual violence against women. And yet, in September, I was deeply troubled to see that rape reports at Cornell increased once again. Ever since the crime alert went out, students on campus have created and spread their own narratives about what happened. It's one thing to express outrage and horror at the male entitlement that reared its ugly head when a gang rape occurred on our campus. Certainly, I needed time to process the emotionally painful news with friends, as I'm sure many students did. But it's completely different and dangerous to engage in the victim-blank.

Starting point is 00:25:33 and shaming rhetoric that is prevalent within campus social circles, especially Greek life. Sexual violence is the only crime where victims are consistently demonized at such a large scale. And it's not just men. Far too many women on campus also play a role in furthering false narratives, casting doubt on survivors reporting, and defending perpetrators. I've seen in my four years here how the grapevine, is used to defame sexual assault victims on this campus. And I have a few things to say, namely, someone's assault is not your gossip. I can tell you this. No one goes through the Title IX system

Starting point is 00:26:17 who is not serious about their assault. It is a broken system that so rarely delivers substantive justice to survivors anyways. Since my sophomore year, I have worked on national Title IX research and seen outcome trends for those who do choose to report. The overwhelming majority of complaints are closed due to insufficient evidence. This background leaves me deeply skeptical. Simply put, I don't trust the university to protect survivors appropriately. End quote. In an effort to seek justice and retribution, Jane Doe began working with her team on her civil

Starting point is 00:26:56 suit, which was filed on September 16, 2026. This civil lawsuit argues that Cornell University failed to adequately protect Jane Doe after she was sexually assaulted and that the university mishandled aspects of its response to her report. The lawsuit is demanding a jury trial. The Daily Sun's coverage of Doe's civil lawsuit and journey towards justice began ringing alarm bells on campus and across the country. The coverage alerted readers to the potential mishandling of Jane Doe's rights and the horrific details that were previously unknown before the civil filing.

Starting point is 00:27:34 It unearthed details of the Title IX investigation, such as the Snapchat group messages, the full transcript of Jane Doe's interview with campus police, and information from witnesses with direct knowledge of the case. The brave Cornell Daily Sun student journalists exposing this story followed up with an editorial on September 21st, 2026, that named the seven student defendants, Matthew Ingalls, Jonathan Newell, Winston Lee, Gileo Lopes, Diego Sarabia, Scott Norris, and Scott Kretschmar. The Cornell Daily Sun, editor-in-chief, Sophia Daser, told the New York Times she decided to

Starting point is 00:28:17 name the seven fraternity men accused in the lawsuit on the front page to, quote, display the transparency that some felt was lacking from university leadership, end quote. Dasa worked diligently alongside several of the newspaper's reporters to cover the story as thoroughly as possible as it unfolded. Their coverage had a snowball effect. Several major media outlets picked up the story and continued to cover its progress. In direct response to Jane Doe's ongoing justice journey, Cornell students have organized multiple protest and demonstrations calling for accountability and systemic change. And that call for accountability has inspired a step towards it. Following public anger, backlash and concern about Cornell University

Starting point is 00:29:06 and law enforcement's handling of Jane Doe's case, on Monday, September 28, 26, D.A. Matthew Van Houten announced the case would be reopened, citing the new information previously outlined. According to DA Van Houghton, the civil filing included previously unknown information, such as Jane Doe's statement in the full interview transcript, where she said she was 100% certain she was raped, the Snapchat conversations, and other important details. Van Houten said in a statement, receiving the transcript, quote, gives him something to really dig into because that changes the landscape, end quote. Just this past week, on Thursday, October, 1, Governor Kathy Hokel signed Executive Order No. 64, appointing New York Attorney General

Starting point is 00:29:59 Letitia James as special prosecutor for the criminal investigation. The order explicitly states that James' jurisdiction will displace and supersede the jurisdiction of the Tompkins County District Attorney. In the days following the news of the lawsuit and reopened investigation, the public's call for accountability and response only increased. In response, the individuals and organizations identified in Doe's lawsuit began to make statements. CBS News published a statement by Trey Robb, interim executive director of the Kai Fi Fraternity. On September 20th, 2026, CBS News reported Rob said that he, quote, can't comment on the specific allegations in this case because legal proceedings,

Starting point is 00:30:48 are underway, but did discuss what actions the fraternity has taken since the alleged incident. Our records confirmed that just three days after Jane Doe filed a police report, the chapter voted unanimously to remove the accused members from its roles. The chapter also recommended that our national fraternity permanently expel them, and our Grand Council did so at a subsequent meeting, end quote. Rob's statement went on to read, quote, these actions went beyond anything the law or Cornell University required of us. As a private membership fraternity, Kai Phi acted within its own authority at both the chapter and national levels

Starting point is 00:31:28 to remove men suspected of betraying the values of our brotherhood. They failed to meet the standards we set for every brother, and accountability is how we will always respond to behavior that falls short of these standards, end quote. As of the recording of this episode, three of the former Kai Fi members named in Doe's lawsuit have issued a statement via their legal representatives. On September 28, 26, attorneys representing Scott Kretschmar and Scott Norris issued statements. According to a News One article, defendant Scott Norris denied engaging in sexual activity or drug use,

Starting point is 00:32:10 though he acknowledged that he sent a message that was included, in the complaint, end quote. Norris stated through his attorney, quote, I did not participate in any sexual activity or drug use. I was not found responsible by Cornell for any of the accusations involving sexual activity and drug use for which others received serious consequences. I thoughtlessly engaged in Snapchat

Starting point is 00:32:34 and briefly stopped in the room where misconduct happened, but not when it happened, end quote. Jeremy Saland, an attorney for sure, Scott Kretschmar said on News Nation, his client, quote, went upstairs at the Kai Five fraternity house at Cornell University to look for someone he had been with, end quote. Saland also said Kretschmar never touched Jane Doe. In a statement to NBC News, Salon said his client welcomed a new investigation. Quote, the lawsuit against Scott Kretschmar is not only intentionally disobeyed,

Starting point is 00:33:13 but morally repugnant, Attorney Jeremy Salon said in a statement, quote, while Scott responded to and made an immature comment on Snapchat, he did nothing else. Nothing, end quote. On September 29th, 26, CBS News, New York, published a statement by Andrew Miltonberg, an attorney representing another defendant, Gileo Lopes. Quote, we represent Mr. Lopes. he unequivocally denies the allegations against him. Cornell previously investigated these allegations.

Starting point is 00:33:47 The allegations now being made publicly differ from what was reported and investigated during that process, end quote. Try Delta released a statement on its website on October 2, 2026. In part, it read, quote, Sister Delta. You may have seen news reports about a lawsuit related to a 2024 incident involving a now alumna member of the Alpha Beta chapter at Cornell University. I know many of you like me are feeling saddened, outraged, and deeply concerned. Because Tri-Delta is named in the lawsuit, there are questions we cannot answer publicly

Starting point is 00:34:24 and details we cannot discuss while the legal process is underway. We know this may be frustrating, but please don't mistake it for a lack of action, urgency, or concern. Triedelta is seeking to understand the facts as quickly as possible. What we can say with conviction is Tri-Delta supports women and will continue to stand beside those who have experienced sexual violence. There will undoubtedly be difficult conversations and strong reactions as the lawsuit moves forward. Some of what is said publicly may be painful for our sisters to hear. We cannot control every characterization made or conclusion reached by others.

Starting point is 00:35:03 What we can do is treat one another with care and kindness, continue to support our sisters, and live out, our shared values. Loyally, Stacey Dickinson Cox, sorority president. On October 3, 26, a video was released on Cornell University's website. This video features President Michael Kotlakov's first statement since the news of Jane Doe's case was released. What happened to Jane Doe in 2024 is deeply disturbing and will weigh heavily on our community for years to come. My heart aches when I think of what she experienced. It raises heartbreaking and troubling issues about sexual assault, dehumanization, and aspects

Starting point is 00:36:00 of party culture, alcohol, and drug use. It also raises questions around the investigations conducted after the allegations were reported. I want to acknowledge something that can be difficult for an institution to say. We don't have all the answers. But we are committed to investigating and finding the answers our community deserves. I believe we as an administration and we as a community must do better. We all have a role to play in keeping each other safe. And understanding that sexual violence exists within our society and our community,

Starting point is 00:36:45 as leaders, we must create an environment in which people, who experience sexual assault feel safe coming forward and are treated with compassion and dignity. We must have systems that are trauma-informed and provide survivors the services they need. We must also investigate allegations rigorously and fairly, including providing due process. In conjunction with our Board of Trustees, I welcome the independent review by an outside law firm into all aspects of Cornell's handling of the 2024 matter, which the board will announce next week. The review should inform additional changes,

Starting point is 00:37:29 not delay improvements already underway or ones we know we can make today. I also hear the frustration that Cornell has not communicated enough about what the university did after the assault was reported, which has led to distrust. There are real legal and private, privacy limits on what we can say. But we will make a greater effort to explain what we can, to provide context about the actions Cornell has taken, and to be more transparent.

Starting point is 00:38:01 This message is the beginning of what we hope will be an ongoing, constructive, and dynamic conversation with our community. On October 6th, Cornell University announced that former U.S. Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates will lead an independent review into the university's handling of Jane Doe's case. According to Cornell, the review will examine the university's policies and practices related to sexual harassment and assault, as well as Cornell's handling of the 2024 matter specifically. As the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation reported, President Kotlakov's remarks, quote, haven't gone over well, in part because he did not apologize for what happened and how the

Starting point is 00:38:47 University responded, end quote. Although Cornell and other organizations related to Doe's case have received backlash, the increased public scrutiny also caused Jane Doe to begin receiving violent threats and threats of doxing from anonymous online individuals. Jane Doe's attorney, Thomas P. Giffray, has been speaking out in the press on behalf of his client. Recently, he said Jane Doe is not doing well because she has been under siege from online predators seeking to docks her. As a result, victims from around the world have spoken up on social media, proclaiming, I am Jane Doe, and sharing their own stories of surviving sexual assault. The movement is intended to show solidarity in the victim survivor community and lift the veil on how common sexual assault is.

Starting point is 00:39:41 I Am Jane Doe also illustrates the commonality of improper system responses and a general lack of accountability. In continued support of Jane Doe, a massive campus protest occurred at Cornell University this past Monday, October 5, 26, engaging over a thousand students and garnering the attention of the whole country. For now, our time for action is now. We demand justice for Jane Doe and for ourselves. For too long, the Cornell administration has normalized the violation of our rights of students and upheld a system that allows rape culture to go unpunished. We won't stand for this anymore. Cornell and its judicial system have failed Jane Doe and countless other survivors.

Starting point is 00:40:33 We demand the following to ensure that students are protected. Students demand Cornell expel and revoke the degrees of all perpetrators complicit in the gang rape of Jane Boe. Do not stand for the continued protection of those responsible for this heinous injustice. Rapists still walk among us as students. The man we rewrite Cornell University's Office of Civil Rights Sexual Harassment Policy 6.4 to require independent hearings. and minimum sanctions for cases regarding sexual assault. Currently, there is no guarantee punishment or standardized timeline in policy 6.4. It found guilty for the probation or complicity in sexual assault.

Starting point is 00:41:26 Alleged perpetrators should not be let off with a minor suspension or a reflection essay. Students demand an external investigation of Cornell's administration and the return to an independent judicial system. Since 2024, the Cornell administration's response and communications to the community have been far from acceptable. The hearing panel in this case was exclusively staff and faculty. We want a judicial system where faculty, administration, and students have equal say and who decides the fate of our campus and its people. Students demand mandatory sexual assault prevention trainings for students and treatise. trauma-informed training for CUPD.

Starting point is 00:42:14 Currently, the only mandatory student trainings are independent online modules. We believe an issue like this requires formalized in-person workshops led by trained professionals. To us that the officers who handled Jane Doe's case did not handle it with sensitivity. Proper trauma-informed training for CUPD officers would guaranteed quality investigations moving forward. And finally, students demand Cornell's full compliance with New York State, enough is enough law. The law affirms that consent cannot be given by someone who is asleep, intoxicated,

Starting point is 00:42:57 or incapacitated by any means, and can be withdrawn at any time. We demand Cornell adopts its standard in their investigations regarding sexual assault under policy 6.4. We have all come together here today across majors, across disciplines, across colleges. And we as a collective want these demands now. Another student-led protest took place Wednesday, October 7th, 2026. As Cornell Black Students United and Cornell's NAACP chapter organized a seven-hour sit-in

Starting point is 00:43:30 at the Tony Morrison Dining Hall in solidarity with Jane Doe and other survivors of sexual violence. The demonstration was part of a larger student-led initiative called Zero. Day, which organizers described as a campus-wide economic blackout intended to draw attention to sexual violence at Cornell. Students were encouraged to boycott classes and refrain from spending money on campus, including at dining halls, the Cornell store, and other university services. According to the Cornell Daily Sun, organizers also outlined plans for possible speeches, survivor support resources, moments of silence, and opportunities for students to make signs and share demands for institutional accountability. Cornell students are also asking people to stand in

Starting point is 00:44:19 solidarity with Jane Doe by wearing red on October 13, 26. We appreciate and support the students who are brave enough to challenge their institution and for independent journalism that continues to call for accountability. At a time when victims are collectively climbing over a very steep uphill battle, taking action and being helpful can be healing for some. If you, as a listener, hope to make change

Starting point is 00:44:47 on your own campus or in your own town, there are lots of things that you can do. A great resource is the informational PDF titled The Cost of Reporting, perpetrator retaliation, institutional betrayal, and student survivor pushout by the organization Know Year 9, which is linked in the episode notes.

Starting point is 00:45:08 The document examines the experiences of 107 student survivors who reported sexual violence to their schools and found that many faced harmful institutional responses, retaliation, and significant educational, financial, career, and health consequences. A great way to turn your awareness into advocacy is by donating to or volunteering. for organizations making a difference. Endrape oncampus.org works to end campus sexual violence through direct support for survivors and their communities, prevention through education,

Starting point is 00:45:45 and policy reform at the campus, local, state, and federal levels. Another great organization that is always looking for more helpful hands is No Year 9. As we reported in season 25, Know Your 9 is a youth and survivor-led organization that educates students about their rights under Title IX and advocates for stronger protections and accountability against sexual and gender-based violence in schools.

Starting point is 00:46:12 I want to remind everyone that advocacy doesn't end with raising awareness. The decisions made by our elected officials directly affect survivors' access to justice, Title IX protections, health care, victim services, and institutional accountability. With the midterm elections coming up on November, 3rd, I encourage you to research the candidates and issues on your ballot and make your voice heard. Visit vote.gov to register to vote, check your registration status, and find your state's registration

Starting point is 00:46:44 deadline. Deadlines vary by state, so please don't wait until election day. I also want to emphasize the importance of supporting independent journalism, especially as media ownership becomes increasingly concentrated among large corporations. Investigative reporting plays an essential role in exposing institutional failures, holding powerful organizations accountable, and bringing stories like Jane Doe's to public attention. When possible, support independent journalists, non-profit newsrooms, and local publications by subscribing, donating, sharing their work, and crediting their reporting. Survivors deserve to be heard. Institutions must be held accountable, and the public deserves access to accurate, independent information.

Starting point is 00:47:39 As we mentioned throughout season 25, we also highly recommend Dr. Nicole Bedera's book, On the Wrong Side, how universities protect perpetrators and betray survivors of sexual violence. As we prepared for this episode, we reached out to several of the Title IX experts we interviewed during season 20. inviting them to share their perspectives and what this case may reveal about the broader challenges survivors face when seeking accountability through the Title IX process. Dr. Holland responded, quote, I have been researching Title IX and university response to sexual violence for over 10 years. And what we are learning about the response to Jane Doe's report is entirely consistent with the evidence on how institutions fail to remedy sexual violence. and ensure survivors equal access to education.

Starting point is 00:48:32 An institutional response that lacks transparency and accountability and prioritizes those accused over survivors is the norm, not the exception. If you want to help make change and support survivors, look for opportunities to get involved with organizations like End Rape on campus or It's on Us. You can also look for local sexual violence centers in your community to do,

Starting point is 00:48:58 donate your time and or resources, end quote. Dr. Jacqueline Cruz, another Title IX expert featured in season 25, sent us the following statement. Quote, in this moment, I'm brought back to my own research on orchestrated complexity and thinking about how administrators are able to create so much complexity around sexual violence cases that sanctions for participation in a sexual assault can end with an essay as a consequence for that behavior. As the public grapples with Cornell's mishandling of this case, I am reminded of how much work institutions must do to ensure they're not embracing a neutral stance

Starting point is 00:49:41 that privileges the protection of men, especially those who enact violence at the expense of women. It is easy to be hopeless and feel that this issue is too big to solve. Yet, it is important to remember that there is so much research already conducted on campus sexual violence and so much that we already understand. For example, we know that perpetrators of campus sexual violence are overwhelmingly men and that victims of campus sexual violence are disproportionately women, racial and gender minorities, and LGBTQ plus students. We know that solutions must take into consideration intersectional perspectives. As advocates, administrators, parents, and students grapple with the current moment, my hope is that we don't fall into the trap of believing the complexity

Starting point is 00:50:33 administrators say exist around these cases and instead connect with the facts we have on sexual violence to have more honest conversations that can begin a cultural shift on campuses in in larger society. End quote. Thank you so much to these experts and for all of you who wrote to us with your questions, suggestions, and thoughts. We hope we have answered your questions and provided a small source of comfort and support for victim survivors who are feeling angry, scared, and triggered by these events. At times, the prevalence and media coverage of cases like Jane Does can immobilize and overwhelm survivors.

Starting point is 00:51:27 We offer the aforementioned organizations as volunteer options and, resources. However, we also recognize that not everyone channels their internal rage or despair into outward opportunities. Taking care of your own mental health and allowing yourself space to heal is also victim advocacy. We support you in your journey, whatever that may require. For a full list of non-profit organizations that can help, visit something was wrong.com slash resources. to Jane Doe, we want to personally thank you for your undeniable bravery. We hope you receive the validation, support, advocacy, justice, and healing that you so deserve. In closing, I'd like to read a message we received from a high school student.

Starting point is 00:52:17 I'm just so angry that our culture allows this, and I'm so angry that I feel so helpless. One in three women have experienced rape, and that's just out of the women who have come out about their stories. We shouldn't have to live in a world where we have to protect ourselves because men aren't taught to keep it in their pants. We shouldn't be told what and what not to wear or how to act and behave so we don't provoke men. We shouldn't be reprimanding our daughters, but educating our sons. Our culture is toxicly masculine and seeps into every morsel of female existence and poisons our society. What happened at Cornell is so disgustingly vile, and the fact that these men are still walking free is infuriating beyond words.

Starting point is 00:53:10 My heart breaks for the victim who had to live this, and that people are trying to disprove her experience. But unfortunately, that isn't uncommon. Women are never taken seriously across all boards. Jane Doe represents all of women. She represents the women who go forgotten. She represents the nagging story your mom tells you before you leave in a short skirt. She represents the reality of a prize we didn't ask for. She represents a fight where men are taught to use violence to get what they want.

Starting point is 00:53:42 You get a dirty fucking mess. Our government, our communities, and our circles are polluted with atrocities we are scared to talk about. And men who are allowed the privilege of denying a counterfeit. that men that committed these violent and hateful acts are writing essays as punishment? What does that tell us? That we have to be scared that these crimes are met with childish punishments? That violence is acceptable when men are the perpetrators and women are the victims? I'm sick of crimes not being treated as such, like women are toys to be played with.

Starting point is 00:54:21 society is too comfortable silencing these stories and these words when we are screaming them. I'm sick of being scared and I'm sick of silence being the only aid to fear. Women are people, not beings to satisfy. We make the world. We will not be ignored, silenced, raped, abused, or left to die in a fucking parking lot. We will be screaming from the rooftops about injustice and standing up for all women. We are girls' soldiers and we will not back down. Thank you for listening and being part of a community committed to meaningful change.

Starting point is 00:55:05 Thank you to each and every survivor and guest for sharing their experiences with us. Something Was Wrong is a Broken Cycle Media production created, hosted, and executively produced by me, Tiffany Reese. Special thank you and shout out to my. co-producer Amy B. Chesler, who also hosts our sister podcast, What Came Next, which you should absolutely check out if you haven't already. Thank you to our social media Maven Lauren Barkman of luxury media and our glorious graphic artist Sarah Stewart. Thank you to our amazing audio team, our head audio engineer, Becca High, with additional editing support by Stephen Wack. Thank you to our behind-the-scenes partners, our lawyers, accountants,

Starting point is 00:55:47 agents, cybersecurity, delivery workers, and anyone who contributes to the work we do, thank you. Last but certainly not least, thank you for listening. If you want to help support the work we do, you can purchase a sticker from our shop at brokencyclemedia.com or become a community contributor on Apple Podcasts. Other ways you can help support the show are by leaving us a review or sharing the show with your loved ones. Or hey, even those you don't love, they might need it most. Until next time, stay safe, friends.

Something Was Wrong - S26 Ep16: JUSTICE FOR JANE DOE

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