Your Campus File Will Not Stay on Campus: What the Cornell Records Show
News outlets are now quoting hearing transcripts and investigation records from the Cornell case, and the rules explain how a closed campus process ends up in public view.
October 8, 2026 · 2 min read
By Jocelyn C. Stewart
A campus hearing is closed to the public. The record of it may not stay that way. ABC News reports that it obtained a transcript of the complainant's testimony before a Cornell hearing panel, along with videos of fraternity members being questioned by campus police. CBS News reports that it obtained Cornell's Title IX investigation documents. Time reports that no one has been criminally charged, and the allegations remain allegations.
Everything is recorded. Cornell's procedures say investigative interviews are audio recorded. The federal rule, 34 C.F.R. § 106.45(b)(6)(i), requires a recording or transcript of any live hearing. Under 34 C.F.R. § 106.45(b)(10)(i), the school must keep its records for seven years.
Related Episodes: S4 H1: Cornell 7 · S4 H2: Cornell 7 Developments: Campus Police Interview & Special Prosecutor · S4 E2: Cornell 7 Case: Call for New Legislation & Using Jane Doe