A man previously identified as the president of Cornell University’s Chi Phi fraternity has been dropped from the high-profile sexual assault lawsuit the media has dubbed the “Cornell Seven.” The update comes as Cornell faculty members prepare to vote on whether they have lost confidence in the university’s leadership over its handling of sexual assault on campus.
Orazio Petito was dismissed from the civil lawsuit with prejudice, meaning the plaintiff cannot bring the same claims against him again in that case. His attorney, Eric Bernstein, has maintained that Petito was incorrectly identified as the fraternity’s president at the time of the alleged October 2024 assault. Petito was not part of the seven named as taking part in the alleged sexual assault, but was accused of failing to supervise fraternity members.
Berstein told ABC News, “My client deserved to be released from this case. They had the wrong the guy and justice was served as far as Mr. Petito was concerned. We are all pleased with the outcome, and it was the right outcome.”
The court filing read: “It is hereby stipulated by and between counsel for all parties that this matter is discontinued with prejudice as to Orazio Petito. Furthermore, the plaintiff holds Mr. Petito, his counsel, harmless from any liens that are known and/or unknown at this time.”
The lawsuit was brought by a young woman identified as Jane Doe, who alleges she was drugged and sexually assaulted by multiple men associated with Cornell’s Chi Phi fraternity. The allegations have drawn major national attention and intensified criticism of the university’s response.
Meanwhile, Cornell faculty senators are considering a resolution declaring that they have no confidence in the administration’s ability to address what the proposal calls an ongoing crisis of sexual assault on campus. Introduced October 7 by faculty senator Paul Ortiz (and supported by 12 colleagues), the resolution follows complaints from students who say they fear for their safety and alumni who have shared troubling experiences from their time at Cornell.
Faculty senators began debating the proposal October 14, with another discussion scheduled for October 28 before an electronic vote.
If the resolution passes, it would send a strong message that Cornell’s own professors have lost faith in university leadership, including President Michael Kotlikoff. However, it would not force anyone to step down.
While Petito is now out of the lawsuit, Cornell’s legal troubles and growing pressure on university leadership are far from over.
The post Cornell Seven: Defendant Cleared From Civil Suit as Faculty Pressure Builds appeared first on LAmag.
