The request for recusal centres on a post James made on 28 September, in which she described what the alleged victim "has been forced to endure is horrific and unacceptable" and told survivors that "we stand with you". The lawyer representing one of the seven defendants argued that these comments call into question the "integrity and independence" of the investigation.
The allegations stem from an incident in October 2024. A lawsuit against seven men and Cornell University has rocked the campus in New York state. Hundreds of students and faculty members gathered on Monday in protest, and the case has drawn national anger over the university's alleged mishandling of the incident.
According to US media reports, Cornell's Faculty Senate will vote next week on a resolution of no confidence in the university's administration. The Senate is a governing body of professors and academic staff. A majority vote would be largely symbolic but would signal broad faculty discontent and pressure on university leadership.
The BBC has reported that it has reached out to Cornell University for comment. No response has been detailed in the report. James has not publicly commented on the recusal request, and the article does not include any statement from her office or from Cornell.
The case continues to attract widespread attention, with questions mounting about both the university's initial response to the allegations and the conduct of the prosecution.