// BBC WORLD NEWS — MONDO
A 'dark cloud' and 'dismal' mood: How it feels on Cornell campus right now
Cornell students voice frustration at public hearing over rape case
Under normal circumstances, Cornell University is a beautiful place to study at this time of year. Autumn leaves bring pops of colour to its stately buildings, which are set against the backdrop of the rolling hills of upstate New York.
But students and faculty members say the investigation into an alleged gang rape that took place on these grounds two years ago has cast a "dark cloud" over the campus - stirring anger, concern over fraternity culture, and a backlash against the university's handling of the situation.
Students and staff at the Ivy League university spoke to the BBC, some on condition of anonymity, saying the tension on campus had become palpable since the 2024 case resurfaced in recent weeks.
At a student assembly on Thursday, which was organised to allow students to voice their concerns, many called for drastic change at the university.
Others labelled the perceived lack of justice a "disgrace" and said they felt ashamed of the prestigious university, which has defended its handling of the case.
"We deserve to know that our institution values our safety more than its reputation," undergraduate Sophia Riley Sim told those at the gathering.
Sim said she had been too upset by the case to attend classes for the past week.
Cornell University's campus is located in Ithaca, upstate New York
The accuser at the centre of the alleged gang rape, known anonymously as Jane Doe, filed a civil lawsuit against Cornell on 16 September, saying she was drugged and raped at a fraternity house in 2024.