Content warning: The following story deals with themes and personal narratives of sexual assault. Doane offers free counseling for students. Additionally, the Hope Crisis Center, serving southeast Nebraska, can be reached anytime at 1-877-388-HOPE(4673).
In Oct. 2024, a Cornell student identified as Jane Doe alleged that she was drugged and raped by seven members of the Chi Phi Fraternity. Doe filed a report to Cornell University policy. During Nov. 8 and on Jan. 14, Cornell opened a formal investigation under Title IV, and on Nov. 4 the case was closed.
Doe reopened the case by reporting it to New York County on Sept. 16, and the case has gained attention nationally. The case is still ongoing; as of Oct. 23, one of the men reported for assaulting her, Diego Sarabia, has filed a motion seeking dismissal of all claims against him.
“As far as the defendant goes, this is essentially a lawsuit about an allegedly forced kiss,” claimed Sarabia’s attorney, James Knox, in the dismissive motion.
Sarabia and his lawyers also allege that the relevant events forming the basis of her claims occurred over the night of Oct. 19, 2024, through the following morning. Plaintiff did not file her action on or before Oct. 20, 2025, and instead waited to file her complaint until Sept. 16, 2026.
In the last issue, the Owl spoke with Title IX Coordinator & Compliance Officer Suzanne Mealer about the case and how Title IX functions. Mealer provided additional information about how students should navigate Title IX.
Students should be made clear on reporting an incident versus starting an investigation. It is important to note that students can report “something they witnessed or something that happened to a friend…You don’t have to be the person directly involved to make a report … Making a report does not automatically mean there will be a formal investigation,” Mealer said.
“Students can make a report, but that does not mean an investigation automatically begins,” Mealer said.
When reporting to law enforcement, students can pursue a criminal case without going through Doane’s Title IX process. “The criminal investigation and the University’s investigation are separate,” Mealer said.
When students engage with alcohol or drugs, it can change a person’s ability to give consent. As such, Mealer explains they “look at the circumstances of each situation individually.”
Mealer also notes that “Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs does not prevent a student from making a Title IX report, and the use of alcohol or drugs by itself does not determine whether consent was given,” Mealer said.
The disciplinary consequences are determined on a case-by-case basis. Title IX provides disciplinary consequences, but students should know, “we cannot predetermine a specific sanction or outcome without first going through the formal Title IX process. Mealer explains this includes an investigation and an evaluation of the available evidence and a determination of responsibility.”
Students should also understand that information gathered in an investigation “is kept private and isn’t released to the public, except when sharing is legally required or permitted.” According to Mealer, this information includes “interviews, witness statements, text messages, emails, documents and other information that may be relevant to the case.”
If students need to talk about anything related to Title IX, they should directly email titleix@doane.edu
