In the aftermath of a woman’s claim of being gang-raped at a private fraternity house of an Ivy League university, an advocate in Newfoundland and Labrador has drawn parallels to the case. The incident gained international attention when the plaintiff, identified as Jane Doe in court documents, filed a lawsuit alleging that Cornell University shielded seven men who she alleges drugged and assaulted her at a frat house in October 2024.
None of the fraternity members have faced criminal charges. Following this, the district attorney for the county announced the reopening of the investigation. New York Governor Kathy Hochul has taken the step to appoint a special prosecutor for the case.
Cassidy Barry, a registered cardiology technologist in St. John’s, expressed a personal connection to the case. She recounted a similar experience from a decade ago when she was working as a housekeeper in a hotel in Placentia. Barry shared her story during the Miss Newfoundland and Labrador pageant in January and reiterated it online recently in response to the Cornell allegations.
In Jane Doe’s lawsuit, she claimed to have been coerced into using ketamine and assaulted over an extended period, with one individual allegedly using Snapchat to solicit others to participate in the assault. Barry highlighted the inaction of bystanders in such situations, drawing from her own encounter where the alleged perpetrator was allowed to remain in the hotel despite her distress.
Sanaa Mrad, the director of advocacy at MUNSU, expressed anger and dismay at the Cornell case, emphasizing the seriousness of sexual harassment and the need for stronger deterrents in educational institutions. Mrad assured that efforts are underway to create a safe environment at Memorial University for all students.
Hailey Cooke, MUNSU’s representative for women and marginalized genders, shared concerns about the impact of such news on survivors of sexual violence, emphasizing the importance of accountability for perpetrators. Barry echoed these sentiments, stressing the necessity of holding offenders responsible without making excuses for their actions.
If you are in immediate danger, please call 911. For support, you can access crisis lines and local services through the Ending Sexual Violence Association of Canada database. Download the free CBC News app for push alerts on CBC Newfoundland and Labrador news.
