Who Gets Your File? Cornell's State Police Deal and the Line Between Campus and Criminal Records
Cornell now sends sexual assault complaints to the New York State Police unless the reporting person chooses otherwise. What that means for an accused student's records, and how evidence moves between a police file and a Title IX file.
October 30, 2026 · 3 min read
By Jocelyn C. Stewart
Cornell has signed an agreement that sends sexual assault complaints to the New York State Police. Gov. Kathy Hochul announced it Thursday. For an accused student, the practical question is what moves between the police file and the Title IX file, and what does not.
The agreement. Complaints that would normally go to Cornell's own police will be referred to State Police for criminal investigation unless the person reporting asks otherwise, according to Reuters, via CP24 and The Hill, via Yahoo News. WBNG describes the same terms.
The reporting person chooses. Survivors may instead pick Cornell Police, Ithaca Police or the Tompkins County Sheriff, WBNG and CNY Central both say. Cornell's own statement adds that the deal does not change a survivor's control over whether to involve police at all.
Separate from the school. Cases State Police handle "will be independent from Cornell," President Michael Kotlikoff said, as quoted by The Hill. Cornell says its police will help on request and preserve and share relevant records and evidence, while student and education records stay protected under applicable law. The Hill and WBNG report the deal lasts through the independent review now underway.
The case behind it. A former student's civil lawsuit alleges seven former fraternity members assaulted her in 2024. Those are allegations, and Reuters reports the men deny them. No criminal charges have been filed, Reuters and CNY Central report. Facts about the case here come from at least two named outlets unless one is credited.
Her law firm's website covers Title IX defense for ROTC cadets, service academy students and student veterans, including how campus statements can reach police and prosecutors.