Cornell University is facing criticism for sexual health materials that ask students to consider group sex, open relationships and sex involving alcohol or drugs, as state officials review the university’s handling of a former student’s assault allegations, according to a report by The Daily Mail.
The Cornell Health materials include a checklist listing “Sex of some kind(s) with three partners at a time” and “Sex of some kind(s) with more than three partners at a time.” Other resources discuss BDSM, fetish equipment, sex toys and physical intimacy. An archived Cornell campaign site indicated resident advisers were encouraged to post materials in dormitories through April.
From feminist porn awards to guides on group sex, Cornell has promoted sexual liberation as a virtue. Read the full report on what my school is pushing to students in @TheFP now https://t.co/uGqJFJZRYH pic.twitter.com/EIxDVaxzP3
— Jared Lederman (@jared_lederman1) October 8, 2026
Cornell senior Jared Lederman, who publicized the checklist on his Substack, has said the materials create a “permission structure” that could blur consent. “Cornell isn’t directly responsible for the alleged gang rape, but the group sex act they are endorsing could very well lead to non-consensual activity, they inherently lead to a gray area,” he told the New York Post.
The criticism comes amid a civil lawsuit by a former student identified as Jane Doe. She alleges that members of the now-banned Chi Phi fraternity gave her ketamine, marijuana and alcohol at a 2024 gathering before sexually assaulting her. Cornell’s Title IX process led to the expulsion of at least two students and the suspension of others. One former student has denied the allegations.
Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten declined to bring criminal charges, saying the evidence indicated the sexual activity was “voluntary, conscious and consensual.” Jane Doe’s attorney, Thomas Giuffra, disputes that conclusion. “I think she was misled. She was told it was still – they weren’t going to prosecute, but they were still investigating,” he said.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul appointed Attorney General Letitia James as special prosecutor. Cornell’s trustees also hired former Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates to review the university’s handling of sexual assault complaints and campus policing. Students have held protests, including a “Justice for Survivors” rally organized by more than 20 groups.
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