The Gatepost Editorial: The Daily Sun stands with Jane Doe, and so do we
By The Gatepost Editorial Board
[ Editor’s Note: This article contains discussions of sexual assault that may be offensive to some readers. ]
Over the last few weeks, the nation has been swept up in the tragic story of a former Cornell University student, identified only as Jane Doe.
The details of this ongoing case are horrific and troubling. Particularly for individuals in college, they bring to light the larger epidemic of sexual assault on campuses and the importance of supporting victims when they come forward.
In 2024, seven members of the Chi Phi fraternity at Cornell University allegedly made the despicable and life-altering decision to gang-rape a young woman.
A recent report by The Cornell Daily Sun, the university’s independent student newspaper, said only two of the seven alleged assaulters were expelled from Cornell, with the others receiving lesser punishments. The least severe of these punishments was handed down to two individuals who were issued no-contact orders, “educational modules,” and “reflection papers.”
The Daily Sun was the first organization to break Doe’s story, showing the dedication student journalists have to telling individuals' stories.
Since they initially broke the story, the staff at The Daily Sun has meticulously pursued avenues of investigation and provided additional reporting.
Their news coverage has been objective and, when appropriate, their editorial board has empathetically opined about the situation.
We, The Gatepost Editorial Board, stand with Jane Doe, and we stand with our colleagues at The Daily Sun.
The ability to amplify the voices of those afraid or unable to speak for themselves is the calling of journalists - individuals who are trained to listen to people with objectivity and fairness. At Cornell, the editors and reporters of The Daily Sun saw injustice. They saw the mistreatment of a victim, and they answered the call for help when Cornell wouldn’t.
Not only did they listen to Doe initially, but they also took on the larger responsibility of continuing to ethically and fully report her story and the impact it has had on their campus.
The independence of The Daily Sun has allowed them to be unrestrained in their support for Doe, and we wish to offer as much of the same support as we can.
In their reporting, The Daily Sun exposes the morbid and inappropriate actions taken by their university, and in a recent editorial, “Cornell Won’t, We Will,” alleged the university does not follow the laws regarding Title IX protocols. They also invoked the need to have public access to the deposition issued by Cornell regarding the investigation into these men, and the university’s findings.
Cornell should release these documents immediately and show the world they now stand with Doe and belatedly recognize their mistakes and are ready to take responsibility.
Accountability does not end with a university issuing disciplinary decisions behind closed doors. When questions arise about a university's response to alleged sexual assault, students and the broader community deserve answers, especially when some of the individuals are allowed to stay on campus. Universities have a solemn duty to protect students and release relevant information to the public.
This is where independent reporting can help the public understand policies and procedures. A strong relationship between a university and its student newspaper promotes transparency and advances the public’s ability to remain informed.
Doe’s story has become widespread thanks to the efforts of The Daily Sun, and consequently, she has become the epicenter of the contemporary discussions concerning consent and assault.
There have been several efforts to expose her identity and derail her life.
The Gatepost Editorial Board admires Doe for her tenacity in the midst of the public scrutiny she has faced, and we commend The Daily Sun for its persistence in telling her story.
As journalists, it is the duty of every reporter to cover a story fully. The Daily Sun has upheld this standard in every aspect of its coverage.
It’s clear they have meticulously researched and analyzed the civil suit and related documents regarding the case. We applaud this effort and encourage them to continue researching the events of the evening of Doe’s alleged attack and Cornell’s response.
While student journalists are still honing their craft, their expertise about their community is unmatched.
The Daily Sun’s reporting matters not simply because it tells Doe’s story, but because it asks questions that deserve answers. The staff of The Daily Sun has demonstrated the importance of that responsibility through their continued reporting on Doe’s case. Their work serves as a reminder that student journalists are capable of holding powerful institutions accountable.
Above all, Doe deserves to be treated with dignity and respect throughout this process. Her experience should not be reduced to a soundbite. Nor should the public curiosity about her identity overshadow the questions her case has raised. Meaningful accountability requires more than public attention. It requires institutions to examine their decisions, answer legitimate questions, and demonstrate that the concerns of those who come forward are taken seriously.
The Gatepost Editorial Board stands with Jane Doe, and we stand with The Cornell Daily Sun.
When student journalists take on the responsibility of covering a story, their work reminds us why independent student journalism matters, and why it must be protected.
