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Thursday, 1 October 2026dailybeirut.com
Lifestyle
Nancy Pelosi canceled a planned New York City event with Cornell students following allegations of sexual assault involving a fraternity.
A scheduled appearance by Nancy Pelosi in New York City has been scrapped after controversy intensified over allegations concerning a student fraternity. The former House Speaker was set to engage with students on Oct. 15, but the event will no longer take place.
The trip, described as "fully-funded" and organized by Cornell’s Institute of Politics and Global Affairs, was announced on Sept. 29. It was billed as an "opportunity to hear from and engage" with the California congresswoman. However, TMZ and The Cornell Daily Sun reported that Pelosi canceled the engagement amid growing scrutiny.
A source indicated to The Cornell Daily Sun that the decision related directly to "the gang rape situation" at the university. The RSVP form closed on Wednesday, Sept. 30, and the university subsequently confirmed the cancellation. This development followed a lawsuit filed by a former Cornell student accusing seven current and former students affiliated with the Chi Phi fraternity of sexually assaulting her in October 2024.
The Tompkins County District Attorney’s Office has reopened its criminal investigation into these claims. As of Oct. 1, prosecutors had not yet determined whether to bring criminal charges connected to the renewed probe.
Political figures have weighed in on the matter. Sen. Elissa Slotkin, herself a former Cornell student, told TMZ: "Whether it’s my university or anyone’s university, clearly there’s been some sort of delay in accountability, and that needs to end." Meanwhile, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand characterized the allegations as "serious and horrific," while Sen. Chuck Schumer urged for an investigation that leaves "no stone unturned."
Pelosi does not intend to reschedule the event, according to reports. She plans to leave Congress when her current term concludes in 2027.
This is not the first time Pelosi has faced criticism regarding her handling of sexual misconduct allegations within the legislature. In 2017, following accusations against Rep. John Conyers, she initially referred to him as an "icon" while supporting an ethics investigation. After further allegations emerged, she later called for his resignation.
