UNC Charlotte students react to Cornell rape investigation

CHARLOTTE — College campus safety is back in the spotlight as investigators look into an alleged gang rape at Cornell University.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul is now calling for an outside investigation into Cornell’s response to the allegations. A woman filed a lawsuit earlier this month, saying she was sexually assaulted by seven students at the Chi Phi fraternity house in 2024. A state prosecutor has since reopened the case.

This story is sparking conversation across the country, especially on college campuses. We were on UNC Charlotte’s campus getting input from students there.

Two students at UNC Charlotte, Julia and Emma, told Channel 9’s Hannah Goetz what they thought about the incident, saying: “We don’t treat people like that. Regardless of who you are, what you thought like, I don’t care. We don’t do stuff like that.”

“I feel as though in our world nowadays it’s hard to feel safe anywhere, especially as women or any minority group. It’s very hard.”

“Honestly, I got a pit in my stomach because that’s the reality for multiple women, not just in the United States but all across the world.”

While the students we talked to say they feel safe at UNC Charlotte, they know that is not always the reality everywhere.

“I know that a lot of stuff happens like this and like nothing happens,” said Natalia Vonhennings.

According to Crime Statistics for UNC Charlotte Main Campus between 2023 and 2025, there were 25 rape cases reported on campus.

National statistics say one in 5 women and 1 and 16 men are sexually assaulted while in college.

Channel 9 reached out to UNC Charlotte with a number of questions on Wednesday, including one of the main factors surrounding the Cornell case: what happens after a report is filed?

The school said that when students report an incident, they are connected with a case manager. Case managers review and look at available resources, accommodations and response options.

The university may open an investigation.

We asked more questions, including how many reports resulted in university investigations, how many cases were referred to law enforcement, and how many investigations resulted in student disciplinary action, suspension, or expulsion?

The university says it is collecting the requested data and will share when they receive it.

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The Charlotte chapter of Chi Phi posted a statement to social media, writing it was deeply saddened and disturbed by the allegations. The fraternity added it condemns the conduct described in the allegations. The statement also said there is no place in our brotherhood for sexual violence, abuse, or behavior that harms another person. It included the number to the National Sexual Assault Hotline.

If you or someone you know is dealing with sexual assault, the Safe Alliance Hope Line is available 24 hours a day in English and Spanish. The number is 980-771-HOPE.