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FL NOW Condemns Cornell University’s Failure to Act After Gang Rape: Essays Are Not Accountability—These Men Must Face Felonies!

For Immediate Release: Oct 2, 2026 President Julie Kent, Florida National Organization for Women (FL NOW)

The Florida National Organization for Women (FL NOW) condemns Cornell University for its shocking and unacceptable response to the reported gang rape of a student by members of a campus fraternity. Instead of decisive action, Cornell assigned the perpetrators an essay — a response so trivial and insulting that it amounts to institutional negligence. This is not accountability. This is a disgrace for Cornell.

“Sexual assault is a violent crime. It is not a “teachable moment,” a conduct violation, or an opportunity for reflective writing,” said Julie Kent, President of FL NOW. “It demands immediate involvement by local law enforcement, not internal handling by universities that have every incentive to minimize, obscure, or outright bury the truth to protect their reputations.”

Cornell’s failure is part of a national pattern. Colleges and universities routinely treat sexual assault as a PR problem rather than a criminal act. Survivors are pressured into silence. Administrators hide behind Title IX loopholes.Fraternities and athletic programs receive protection instead of scrutiny. And perpetrators walk free while survivors carry lifelong trauma.

FL NOW is unequivocal: Any sexual assault — including rape, gang rape, or attempted rape — must be reported directly to local police. Universities are not courts. They are not investigators. And they are not neutral actors. Their priority is institutional image, not survivor justice.

Cornell’s response sends a chilling message to students everywhere: your safety is negotiable, and your trauma is secondary to the school’s brand. This is unacceptable. Survivors deserve justice, not essays. They deserve protection, not bureaucracy. And they deserve institutions that treat sexual violence as the crime it is.

FL NOW calls on Cornell University to:

  • Immediately refer this case to local law enforcement.
  • Suspend all individuals involved pending investigation.
  • Conduct an independent review of its sexual assault policies.
  • Publicly commit to ending internal handling of violent crimes.

We also call on state and federal leaders to strengthen laws requiring mandatory police reporting for sexual assault on college campuses. Survivors cannot continue to bear the burden of institutional cowardice.

“FL NOW stands with the survivor, with students nationwide, and with everyone failed by a system designed to protect institutions instead of people. We will not be silent, and we will not allow universities to hide behind paperwork while students are harmed,” said Debbie Deland, Vice President of FL NOW.

Media Contact: Debbie Deland, vp@flnow.org, 407 234-6408

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The Emptiness of Two Powerhouses

Written by Karen Mullins / Southern NOW District National Board Member

I am moved by the earthquakes of the last two and a half weeks. For women, today brings the end of an era and a path to new beginnings. Dolly Parton brought hope, tenderness, and moxie to all that she created. She made us face the discomfort of seeing the biases we hold when we meet someone different from ourselves. She shared her world with us, and we are so much better for it.

Gloria Steinem juxtaposed our culture to shed light on the shortcomings in women’s lives. She embodied grace and wisdom, serving in an ironically maternal way as a mother to all. She shared her world with us, and we are so much better for it. Both women championed women, walked in grace, and made room for others to be fully human in their own right. I am encouraged by the leaders of today and the future who have heard and applied the lessons of both Dolly and Gloria. We have wonderful leaders now because of them both.

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2026 October Update

Florida Voting Reminder

Early voting starts October 19th in Florida.  Do you have a plan?  If you vote by mail, have you made sure that you are registered to vote by mail?

Have you become educated on the November ballot amendments? FL NOW has taken a position opposing amendments 1, 2, & 3. These amendments remove discretionary spending from local communities.  FL NOW has developed informational flyers and Rack Cards.  If you are interested in aquiring amendment information to distribute, please text / call 407-234-6408.

Please look at FL NOW PAC page. You can see who National NOW endorsed for US Congress and Senate.  Also, look for your endorsed candidates in local and state races.