Ithaca Council Calls for Cornell to Report Sexual Assault Investigations to Police

Why it matters locally: While the resolution specifically targets Cornell University in Ithaca, the discussion around university reporting protocols for sexual assault cases could influence policy debates at other higher education institutions across New York State.

ITHACA, N.Y. – The Ithaca Common Council approved a resolution on Wednesday, June 12, asking Cornell University to report certain sexual assault investigations to the Ithaca Police Department. Council members passed the measure during their regular meeting. The resolution specifically requests that the university inform local law enforcement about sexual assault allegations it investigates. This action stems from a situation involving a former Cornell student. That student alleged a gang rape occurred, but local police did not receive information about her claim during Cornell's initial investigation. The council's resolution seeks to establish a process for greater information sharing between the university and city police in such cases.