Cornell University has appointed Sally Yates, a former Deputy Attorney General under the Obama administration, to lead an independent review of the university’s management of sexual assault allegations. Yates, who was dismissed by President Donald Trump, will evaluate Cornell’s response to a reported gang rape at a fraternity house in October 2024.
Yates and her law firm, King & Spalding, will have access to Cornell’s internal documents, covering case files, Greek organization oversight, communication with law enforcement, and disciplinary hearing records. Her experience at the U.S. Department of Justice adds significant expertise to the review.
Sally Yates: Career and Challenges
In January 2015, President Obama nominated Yates as Deputy Attorney General, with the Senate confirming the appointment four months later by an 84-12 vote. Prior to this, she served as the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia, a role she assumed in 2010 by Obama’s appointment.
Yates was instructed to remain as acting Attorney General following Trump’s presidential transition while his nominated Attorney General awaited confirmation. However, her position was brief, ending on January 30, 2017, after she opposed an executive order on travel restrictions rooted in nationality and religion. Yates questioned its legality and her refusal to defend led to her dismissal.
Later in 2017, Yates participated in a Senate Judiciary subcommittee investigation centered on Russian interference in the 2016 election. Her testimony involved warnings given to White House Counsel Don McGahn regarding National Security Advisor Michael Flynn’s potential vulnerability to Russian influence, uncovered through FBI intelligence.
Following her tenure in government, Yates joined King & Spalding in May 2018. She spearheaded an investigation into misconduct within the National Women’s Soccer League, commissioned by the U.S. Soccer Federation, revealing systemic failures in handling abuse complaints. Her recommendations included enhanced procedures and accountability in the sports environment.
Cornell University Investigations
Cornell University’s decision to hire Yates is due to her significant experience in independent investigations and higher education matters. This follows notable attention to an alleged sexual assault case involving fraternity members, prompting a broader examination of the university’s policies and practices in handling such allegations.
New York Attorney General Letitia James, known for her legal confrontations with Trump, has also initiated a concurrent investigation focusing on the particular incident. Meanwhile, Yates will evaluate if Cornell adhered to its own guidelines during the response to the October 2024 allegations.
“As part of that broader mandate, Yates and her team will conduct a detailed review of the university’s response to the allegations involving Jane Doe and members of the Chi Phi fraternity, including whether Cornell followed its policies and procedures in responding to the matter,” Cornell stated.
The dual investigations aim to address both the specific incident and the university’s overall handling of similar cases, potentially leading to policy changes and heightened scrutiny.
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