Cornell University is bracing for a significant seven-hour sit-in by students on Wednesday, driven by a recent civil lawsuit alleging a sexual assault case involving members of the Chi Phi fraternity dating back to October 2024. The protest aims to show solidarity with Jane Doe, the plaintiff in the lawsuit, and to address broader issues surrounding sexual violence on college campuses.
In an announcement made via Instagram, a coalition of student organizations, including the Black Students United and the Cornell NAACP, emphasized the symbolic nature of the event: “Seven hours for the seven hours she endured. Seven hours of solidarity. Seven hours demanding change.” The sit-in is set to take place in a dining hall named after Pulitzer Prize-winning author Toni Morrison, beginning at 1:30 p.m. ET.
This demonstration is part of a larger movement labeled “Zero Day,” which encourages students to refrain from attending classes or spending money on campus, thereby disrupting normal activities as a form of protest. The event comes on the heels of heightened scrutiny of Cornell’s response to Jane Doe’s allegations, which include claims of being drugged and assaulted during an event at the fraternity house.
Amid the ongoing unrest, a resolution has been proposed by Cornell faculty calling for a no-confidence vote in the administration’s handling of the case. In response to the increasing pressure, New York Governor Kathy Hochul appointed state Attorney General Letitia James to oversee the investigation, replacing Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten, who has faced criticism for not pursuing charges against the accused individuals.
As students gear up for Wednesday’s sit-in, the mood on campus remains tense, reflecting a broader societal concern regarding sexual misconduct in collegiate environments. The student coalition has indicated that the sit-in will also serve as a platform for sharing resources and conducting educational teach-ins related to sexual violence and survivor support.
Photo credit: Heather Ainsworth for NBC News
