Judge allows Jane Doe anonymity in Cornell sexual assault lawsuit

Key points

• Judge Phaedra Perry-Bond ruled Friday that Jane Doe can remain anonymous in her civil lawsuit alleging sexual assault at Cornell's Chi Phi fraternity house.
• The judge cited publicity, retaliation and threat concerns, and suggested extending anonymity to the defendants as well.
• The ruling sets privacy protections but does not address the merits of the allegations; all seven defendants deny them.

A judge ruled Friday that Jane Doe, the plaintiff in a civil lawsuit alleging sexual assault involving seven former members of Cornell University's Chi Phi fraternity, may remain anonymous as the case proceeds. Judge Phaedra Perry-Bond granted the protections, citing the highly publicized nature of the allegations, concerns about retaliation and threats, and the potential harm of publicly identifying the plaintiff.

The ruling requires court filings to conceal Jane Doe's identity and other sensitive personal information. Defendants may privately share identifying information when needed to investigate the allegations and prepare their defense, under confidentiality protections. The decision does not address the merits of the allegations or determine liability.

What the judge said

Perry-Bond suggested the anonymity designation "should likewise be extended" to the defendants and said she would welcome such a filing. She also encouraged broader privacy protections for defendants and witnesses in the case.

The judge warned that anyone who engages in cyberstalking, harassment or threats against Jane Doe, the defendants or their attorneys could face criminal prosecution.

should likewise be extended

— Judge Phaedra Perry-Bond

The allegations

In the civil lawsuit, Jane Doe alleged she was drugged, gang-raped and sexually assaulted by seven men at the Chi Phi fraternity house in 2024. All seven have denied the allegations.