Source: Fox News
Summary
Cornell University has appointed Sally Yates, a former Obama administration deputy attorney general, to lead an independent review of its handling of sexual assault allegations. The review follows scrutiny over an alleged gang rape at a fraternity house in October 2024. Yates and her firm, King & Spalding, will have access to internal documents, including case files and communications with law enforcement. Yates, known for her role in the Russia investigation, brings decades of Justice Department experience. Cornell cited her expertise in higher education and independent investigations for the appointment. The review will assess the university’s broader policies and response to sexual assault allegations.
Our Reading
As expected, the matter has reached another stage.
Yates walks into a university with a problem.
She has done this before, with a league and a president.
She brings a file, a name, and a story.
It feels like a script, but the lines are new.
Author: Evan Null
Key Details
Sally Yates, a former deputy attorney general under President Barack Obama, has been chosen by Cornell University to lead an independent review of its handling of sexual assault allegations. The decision comes amid scrutiny over an alleged gang rape at a fraternity house in October 2024. Yates, who was fired by President Donald Trump in 2017, has extensive experience in the Justice Department and has led previous independent investigations, including one into sexual misconduct in the National Women’s Soccer League.
Background on Yates
Yates was appointed as deputy attorney general in 2015 by President Obama and served until 2017, when she was fired by Trump after refusing to defend his travel ban. She later testified before a Senate subcommittee investigating Russian interference in the 2016 election. Yates has also worked as a partner at King & Spalding, the law firm leading the Cornell review. Her career includes prosecuting white-collar fraud and public corruption cases, as well as leading the prosecution of Eric Rudolph, the Olympic Park bomber.
Cornell’s Response
Cornell University stated that it selected Yates and her firm due to their expertise in higher education and experience conducting independent investigations. The review will assess the university’s broader policies and handling of sexual assault and dating violence allegations. It will also examine the specific case involving Jane Doe and the Chi Phi fraternity in October 2024. The university emphasized that Yates’ team will review whether Cornell followed its policies and procedures in responding to the matter.
External Investigations
In addition to Yates’ review, New York Attorney General Letitia James has opened an active criminal investigation into the alleged rape. James, who has previously brought a civil fraud case against Trump, is overseeing a separate state investigation. The two investigations have different mandates: James’ will focus on the specific case, while Yates’ will assess the university’s overall response to sexual assault allegations.
Public Reaction and Legal Implications
The case has drawn national attention, with a lawsuit filed by the alleged victim raising questions about the university’s response. The review by Yates is expected to examine whether Cornell followed its policies and procedures in handling the allegations. The involvement of a prominent Trump adversary in the controversy has added to the political dimension of the case. Fox News Digital has reached out to Yates for comment, but no response has been provided.
