House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi has withdrawn from an event scheduled for October 15 that was set to be hosted in partnership with Cornell University. The cancellation comes as the university faces mounting pressure and public criticism over its administrative response to a reported gang rape incident involving students earlier this year.

A source familiar with the matter confirmed the cancellation to The Hill, though neither Pelosi’s office nor Cornell University representatives have provided extensive public statements regarding the specific reasoning behind the withdrawal. The event, which was intended to take place in New York City, was meant to feature the former Speaker in a discussion format.

While the university has been under fire for its internal handling of the 2024 sexual assault case, the direct link between the specific allegations and Pelosi’s decision to pull out of the event remains unconfirmed by official spokespeople. The situation highlights the ongoing tension between high-profile academic institutions and the public figures associated with them when those institutions become the subject of intense controversy regarding student safety and disciplinary procedures.