Alex Cooper's FALSE Facts About the “Cornell 7”

Summary

Emily Jashinsky and guest Evan Barker criticize Alex Cooper’s discussion of the “Cornell 7” case, arguing that it presented disputed allegations as settled and omitted evidence they consider important. They say allegations of rape and assault should be taken seriously, while emphasizing that believing a complainant does not substitute for careful investigation or due process.

Jashinsky disputes Cooper’s suggestion that Cornell police and the university colluded to suppress Jane Doe’s account. She says Doe signed off on a shortened statement and argues that Doe’s own statements and messages—including communications after the encounter—complicate the account presented on the podcast. The hosts also challenge Cooper’s description of the consequences for the accused men, saying some faced serious penalties and public identification. They stress that this counterevidence does not prove Doe lied, but argue that it should matter when assessing the case and that accusations should not be treated as proof of guilt.

The hosts criticize Cooper and Cornell professor Kate Manne for arguing that fraternities should be eliminated. Manne is quoted as saying fraternity membership is associated with greater involvement in “rape culture” and that fraternities are too dangerous to remain part of universities. Jashinsky and Barker say fraternity risks can be discussed without dismissing potential risks associated with intoxicated group sex. Jashinsky also argues that banning male-only organizations could worsen men’s social isolation.

They question commonly cited campus figures that one in five students is raped or one in four is sexually assaulted. Citing Heather MacDonald’s criticism, they argue that some studies reach such numbers by using broad definitions of sexual misconduct. These are presented as the hosts’ objections to the statistics, rather than as an independent review of the research.

Barker describes being pressured by women in Democratic politics to publicly say she had been sexually harassed by a particular man, even though she did not view her experience that way. She says the #MeToo movement exposed real and serious abuses, but argues that expanding the definition of misconduct and urging people to believe every allegation can undermine trust and provoke backlash.

The discussion’s central argument is that sexual assault must be taken seriously, but that broadening definitions of misconduct, overlooking contradictory evidence, or treating allegations as established fact can harm individuals and weaken confidence in the process.

Presenters and Contributors

• Emily Jashinsky: Host
• Evan Barker: Guest
• Alex Cooper and Kate Manne: Discussed and quoted in clips