Cornell University Cancels Homecoming Concert Following Sexual Assault Lawsuit Scrutiny
Cornell University student organizers have canceled an upcoming homecoming concert featuring indie-pop duo Between Friends. The decision by the Cornell Concert Commission follows public outrage and legal action stemming from a sexual assault lawsuit filed against the university and fraternity members. Student leaders announced plans to shift focus toward a charity event raising funds for sexual assault prevention.
Student leadership at Cornell University has canceled the institution's scheduled homecoming concert in response to campus outrage over allegations of sexual violence and the university's handling of a civil lawsuit. The Cornell Concert Commission announced via an Instagram post on Friday, Oct. 9, that it decided to pull the plug on the event featuring indie-pop duo Between Friends, which had been set to take place at Barton Hall in Ithaca, New York, on Oct. 17, according to a report by Billboard.
The student-run organization stated that its decision reflects a firm stance of solidarity with sexual assault survivors. In its public statement quoted by Billboard, the commission wrote that as student organizers, they stand with the survivor identified in court documents as Jane Doe, acknowledging the immense courage required to step forward after experiencing trauma. The organization emphasized the necessity of advocating for individuals whom they feel have been underserved or unsupported by the university's administrative response.
The decision to call off the major campus event follows growing scrutiny surrounding a lawsuit filed in September against Cornell University and seven members of the Chi Phi fraternity. According to details reported by Billboard, the lawsuit alleges that the fraternity members provided the victim with drugs and alcohol before repeatedly sexually assaulting and raping her during an October 2024 event at the fraternity house. The men named in the legal action have denied all allegations of wrongdoing, asserting through legal responses that the interactions were consensual or misrepresented.
In response to mounting public pressure and criticism, Cornell University President Michael I. Kotlikoff issued a public statement on Oct. 3 promising an independent evaluation into how the institution responded to the reported assault, stating that the administration and community must do better. Three days later, on Oct. 6, university officials announced that former U.S. Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates had been selected to conduct and oversee the independent review into the case handling.
Rather than proceeding with the scheduled homecoming performance, the Cornell Concert Commission indicated it is shifting its efforts directly toward advocacy and community support. According to reporting by Billboard, the student organization is working to establish a fundraising event featuring student bands and campus DJs to raise funds for sexual violence prevention programs. The group confirmed that all proceeds from the planned substitute event will be donated directly to RAINN, the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization.
The cancellation highlights a growing wave of student-led accountability efforts on university campuses, where student organizations are choosing to leverage high-profile social events to demand institutional policy changes. The Cornell Concert Commission called directly on university leadership to implement structural reforms that provide greater protection and resources for survivors of sexual violence, according to the official statement cited by Billboard.