Statement From Governor Hochul on Cornell University Sexual Assault Case

"The allegations in this case are nothing short of horrifying. For any student to come forward after an experience like this takes extraordinary courage. No student should ever be left wondering whether the institutions meant to protect them will listen and act.

"I support the district attorney's decision to reopen the criminal investigation. But there are also serious questions about Cornell's campus culture and its systems for prevention, reporting, and response. That is why I am calling for outside counsel to conduct a transparent, independent review of the university's response to determine whether Cornell met every obligation to protect its students and pursue justice."