TAKE ACTION: JANE DOE + CORNELL
Turn outrage into action.
In September 2026, a former Cornell University student identified as Jane Doe filed a civil lawsuit alleging that she was sexually assaulted by multiple fraternity members in October 2024 and challenging how Cornell and others responded afterward. The allegations have not been adjudicated, and no individual has been criminally charged as of this writing.
Since the lawsuit became public, the Tompkins County District Attorney has reopened the criminal investigation, Cornell has agreed to an independent review of its handling of the matter, and students are organizing for institutional reforms.
You do not have to be an organizer to take action.
Here are four Action you can Take right now. ❤️🔥
ACTION 1 - SUPPORT A101
Strengthen New York’s law around intoxication + consent.
What is A101?
A101 would strengthen New York law around sexual consent when someone is too intoxicated to consent.
Who are we contacting?
Assembly Member: Jeffrey Dinowitz
Chair, NY Assembly Codes Committee + sponsor of A101
📞 Call: 518-455-5965 (tel: 518-455-5965)
What do I say?
“Hi, my name is ____. I’m calling in support of A101. I’m asking the New York Assembly to advance and pass this legislation to strengthen protections when someone is too intoxicated to consent. Thank you.”
✉️ Email: DinowitzJ@nyassembly.gov
Email subject: Support A101
“I’m writing in support of A101 and asking the New York Assembly to advance and pass this legislation. New York law should protect people who are incapable of consenting because of intoxication. Thank you.”
ACTION 2 - EMAIL CORNELL
WHAT: Cornell has announced an outside review of its handling of the Jane Doe matter.
WHAT WE’RE ASKING FOR:
→ A genuinely independent review
→ Transparent scope + methodology
→ Findings released where legally permissible
→ Concrete reforms + accountability afterward
DO THIS: Send the email below to both:
📧 Cornell President Michael Kotlikoff: president@cornell.edu
📧 Cornell Board of Trustees: trustees@cornell.edu
Those are Cornell’s current official contacts.
SUBJECT: Transparency + Accountability for Jane Doe
“I’m writing regarding Cornell’s handling of the allegations raised by Jane Doe.
I’m asking Cornell to ensure its outside review is genuinely independent, make its scope and methodology transparent, release its findings to the extent legally permissible while protecting survivor privacy, and publicly identify and implement necessary institutional reforms.
Cornell students and survivors deserve meaningful transparency and accountability.
Thank you,
[NAME]”
ACTION 3 - SIGN + SHARE THE PETITION 🌹
WHAT: Cornell alumni created a petition supporting Jane Doe and demanding institutional accountability.
The petition calls for investigation-based administrator accountability, transparency into Cornell’s investigations, a public audit of sexual-assault procedures, and binding reforms.
DO THIS:
1. Click below.
2. Sign the petition.
3. Share it with one other person.
ACTION 4 - CONTACT THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY ❤️🔥
WHAT: Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten is the elected prosecutor for the county where Cornell is located.
WHAT WE’RE ASKING FOR:
→ A thorough, evidence-based investigation
→ Examination of how the original investigation was handled
→ Accountability for any identified investigative failures
→ Protection of survivor privacy and everyone’s legal rights
DO THIS: Email the District Attorney.
That email is listed on the official Tompkins County DA directory.
SUBJECT: Jane Doe / Cornell Investigation
“District Attorney Van Houten,
I’m writing regarding the investigation involving the allegations raised by Jane Doe at Cornell University.
I respectfully ask that the investigation be thorough and evidence-based, including examination of how the original investigation was handled and whether all relevant evidence reached prosecutors.
Please ensure appropriate accountability and transparency while protecting survivor privacy and the legal rights of everyone involved.
Thank you,
[NAME]”
THAT’S IT.
YOU TOOK ACTION. ❤️🔥
You just:
✓ Supported legislation
✓ Contacted Cornell leadership
✓ Signed the petition
✓ Contacted the District Attorney
Four actions. A few minutes. Your voice is now part of the pressure.
WANT TO DO MORE?
Join Matriarchy Rising.
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You don’t have to know how to organize to participate.
We research. We simplify. We mobilize. We act. 🌹