RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline is available 24/7 at 800-656-4673
Our firm has received a high volume of inquiries about the lawsuit filed on behalf of Jane Doe against Cornell University and related parties. To make sure accurate information is available to everyone, we’ve gathered answers to the most common questions.
If you need support: If this case has brought up difficult experiences of your own, confidential help is available at any time through the National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN) at 800-656-4673. More resources are listed on our Supporting Jane Doe page.
Because this is an active legal matter, there are limits to what we can share. Public statements about the case will come from our attorneys, and we may not be able to respond to every question. Significant updates will be posted on our blog as the case moves forward.
The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I send letters of support to Jane Doe?
Messages of support can be sent by email to [email protected], or by mail to:
Jane Doe
c/o Rheingold Giuffra Ruffo Plotkin & Hellman LLP
551 5th Avenue, 29th Floor
New York, NY 10017
Our office will receive all messages and share them with Ms. Doe.
How can I stay informed about developments in the case?
Our firm will post significant updates on our blog as the case moves forward. Because there has been a great deal of commentary about this case online, we encourage the public to rely on official statements from our firm and on reporting from established news organizations, and to treat unverified claims on social media with caution. Please understand that, out of respect for Ms. Doe and the legal process, we may not be able to comment on every development.
How can I help protect Jane Doe’s privacy and identity?
The most meaningful thing anyone can do is protect her anonymity. Please do not speculate as to her identity, and do not share names, photos, or any other information that could identify her, even if it appears elsewhere online. This includes documents or records connected to the case that may contain identifying details.
If you come across a post that identifies or claims to identify Ms. Doe, please report it to the platform rather than sharing or commenting on it.
Where should media inquiries be directed?
All media inquiries should be directed to Peter Schweitzer at [email protected]. Ms. Doe is not giving interviews, and we ask that members of the media not attempt to contact her, her family, or her friends directly.
Is there a GoFundMe or fundraiser for Jane Doe?
No. Our firm will not start a GoFundMe on Ms. Doe’s behalf, and we have not authorized any fundraiser in her name or in the firm’s name. Any such effort is not affiliated with us, and we urge the public to use caution before contributing to one. We represent Ms. Doe on a contingency-fee basis, so she bears no out-of-pocket legal costs.
You can read our full statement on fundraising. Those who wish to do more can support a reputable survivor-support organization such as RAINN.
What is the lawsuit about?
In September 2026, our firm filed a civil lawsuit in New York Supreme Court on behalf of Jane Doe. The complaint alleges that seven men who were Cornell University students in 2024 sexually assaulted her at a fraternity house in Ithaca. It also names Cornell University, the fraternity’s local chapter and national organization, Ms. Doe’s sorority chapter and its national organization, the fraternity chapter’s former president, and an Ithaca bar. These are allegations in a civil complaint and have not been decided by a court. You can read the complaint and our post on the filing.
I have information related to this case. Who should I contact?
If you have information you believe may be relevant, please contact our office at 212-684-1880. Please do not send case information to the support mailbox, which is reserved for messages to Ms. Doe.
Did the firm remove Cornell from its Philanthropy page?
Yes. Cornell University was listed on our 2019 Philanthropy page because our firm had previously hired and supported Cornell students and alumni interested in pursuing law careers. However, our firm has never donated directly to Cornell University or any of its affiliates. We have since removed all colleges and universities from our Philanthropy page to make clear that our only obligation is to our clients.
