The assignment concerns the university’s response to allegations of sexual violence and will focus on the procedures used to examine cases. Yates was tasked with conducting an independent review of the university’s handling of the matter.
Yates held a senior position at the U.S. Department of Justice. Sources describe her as a former deputy attorney general, former acting attorney general or, more generally, a former department official.
According to PBS NewsHour, the review will assess how Cornell investigates reports of sexual violence and harassment. Its scope therefore covers both sexual assault complaints and those involving harassment.
The aspects under consideration also include the support offered to students and the university’s disciplinary process. Al Jazeera also reported the latter element in describing the review’s mandate.
The review will also examine Cornell’s oversight of fraternities, sororities and other student or campus organizations. The issue of oversight of university groups was reported by both PBS NewsHour and The Hindu.
Al Jazeera reports that the campus police response will also fall within the mandate. This represents an additional level of case management that will be examined by Yates.
The review concerns Cornell’s handling of rape allegations brought by a former student, according to NPR, or a complaint by a woman, according to The Hindu. The available information does not identify the person and provides no details about the allegations.