Woman sues Cornell University and seven students over alleged sexual assault

The lawsuit, filed in US federal court, names the university and the individual students as defendants in connection with an incident that occurred at Cornell's Ithaca, New York campus. The plaintiff claims she was sexually assaulted by multiple individuals during a social event.

According to legal filings, investigators recovered digital communications between several of the accused students. Messages referenced in court documents include discussions that prosecutors interpret as relating to the alleged assault, with one exchange asking whether "the shop was still open" — language the prosecution characterises as coded reference to the victim's continued availability.

The lawsuit seeks damages from both the university and the students, with the plaintiff's legal team arguing that Cornell failed in its duty of care to protect students on campus. The complaint alleges institutional negligence in addition to the underlying criminal allegations against the individual defendants.

Cornell University has not yet issued a public statement responding to the lawsuit. The university's administration typically coordinates with law enforcement on such matters. The case marks an ongoing series of sexual assault allegations at major US universities, raising questions about campus safety protocols and institutional accountability.

The defendants have not publicly responded to the allegations. Legal proceedings are expected to continue over coming months.