A judge has permitted a former Cornell student, suing Chi Phi fraternity members over rape allegations, to continue using the pseudonym “Jane Doe.” New York Supreme Court Justice Phaedra Perry-Bond stated in her order that Jane Doe argued potential retribution and retaliation, social and career hindrances, and family shame could result if she were publicly identified.
Doe expressed concerns that identification might endanger her family. She reported experiencing extreme anxiety, depression, and insomnia. The defendants did not oppose her request to remain anonymous.
The judge determined Doe’s privacy interests outweighed the usual presumption of full public court proceedings, considering the notoriety of the allegations and threats of retaliation linked to the case. Justice Perry-Bond also warned that harassment or threats towards Doe, the defendants, or attorneys could be considered a federal crime.
Doe’s anonymity will continue publicly, but defendants will be individually identified in court documents. The judge reaffirmed public access to the case while avoiding measures like sealing or closing the courtroom.
Perry-Bond proposed extending protections for sensitive information to defendants, inviting a proposal for an agreement potentially safeguarding other involved parties.
Jane Doe filed her lawsuit in September, accusing seven former Chi Phi fraternity members of drugging and raping her on Oct. 19, 2024. The lawsuit names the fraternity, the university, and a bar where Doe alleged the gang rape occurred.
Doe claims she was intoxicated upon arriving at the fraternity house, pressured to consume ketamine and other substances. The accused denied wrongdoing; some cited consensual sexual activity, while others denied involvement.
The fraternity was suspended following Doe’s report to campus police in November 2024. Initially, local prosecutor Matthew Van Houten declined criminal charges, citing Doe’s statement as voluntary regarding drug use and sexual activity. CBS New York later revealed transcripts where Doe declared she was raped.
Van Houten stated he did not receive the complete transcript. His office reopened the investigation when allegations contradicted Doe’s sworn statement from two years earlier. Subsequently, New York Governor Kathy Hochul removed Van Houten, appointing State Attorney General Letitia James as special prosecutor.
James’ appointment triggered controversy, with defendants seeking her removal over alleged bias from a social media post suggesting sympathy for Doe. James argued defendants lacked standing to challenge her role and validated the governor’s authority to appoint a special prosecutor. A motion requesting her disqualification from grand jury proceedings remains pending.