I also started drinking and using there, in fraternity houses, the way a lot of us did. I remember going out with a frat guy one night who served me a plate of cocaine. Having no idea what to do, I took the straw he handed me and inhaled most of the pile.
It took me years of recovery to understand how my addiction took root in that moment. He provided the drug to increase the likelihood that I would hook up with him. I never did but started hanging out with him just to get it.
So when I read the lawsuit a former Cornell student filed this month against the university, the Chi Phi fraternity and seven of its current and former members, I wasn't surprised. The woman, who was 20 at the time, alleges that in October 2024 members of the chapter pressured her to snort what they called ketamine, gave her more alcohol and marijuana, and then sexually assaulted her over several hours. According to the complaint, one member announced her to the house on Snapchat like she was the evening's entertainment.
She reported the alleged assault about three weeks later and the district attorney initially declined to bring charges. Cornell investigated and disciplined those involved, reportedly through suspensions, workshops and essays. The chapter is now barred from campus.
The Tompkins County district attorney is reopening the case, while noting that the lawsuit's account differs from what she told police in 2024. I don't know what happened in that house but I know the house. Not that one, but every one like it.
And I know what most of the coverage so far has left out. Nearly every detail in that complaint runs through substances that the men provide the women. That’s the usual way it goes.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
