Conversations between the president of Cornell’s Interfraternity Council and the embattled former president of the Student Assembly reveal their intentions to restrict criticism of Greek life within the Assembly and block resolutions concerning women’s health and gender issues.
Private text exchanges obtained by The Sun indicate the collaborative efforts of the IFC president and influential S.A. member George Rocco DeLorenzo ’24, who was also a candidate for executive vice president of the Student Assembly. They strategized to leverage the influence of Greek organizations within the Assembly to advocate for fraternity interests.
Text messages between DeLorenzo and Pedro Da Silveira ’25 during the previous year’s campaign cycle shed light on their shared vision and objectives for the Student Assembly.
Da Silveira, elected Assembly president in May 2023 but delayed in assuming office due to a Title IX allegation that was later disproven, disclosed campaigning alongside DeLorenzo despite the latter’s knowledge of the accusation.
In February 2023, following Da Silveira’s revelation of accusations from a former sexual partner, DeLorenzo advised him to report the behavior as harassment to gain an advantage. Their discussions on this matter continued over the subsequent month.
DeLorenzo mentioned a forthcoming “Greek life machine” aimed at safeguarding the existing Greek system within the Assembly, suggesting a directive to avoid controversial actions and steer clear of Greek life matters.
DeLorenzo expressed discontent with an S.A. resolution branding fraternities as “misogynistic, racist, and transphobic,” following incidents of sexual assault and misconduct. He labeled the resolution as targeted hate speech.
Additionally, DeLorenzo opposed certain resolutions related to women’s health, expressing reluctance to support initiatives like installing Plan B vending machines on campus.
Regarding the Gender Justice Advocacy Coalition’s proposal to provide free menstrual products in campus restrooms, DeLorenzo criticized the idea, questioning the allocation of resources and asserting a binary view of gender.
DeLorenzo, in his capacity as S.A. vice president of finance, recommended reducing funding for the GJAC due to insufficient data supporting the usage of free menstrual products, despite student testimonials.
During the election campaign, DeLorenzo shifted his support to another candidate, Patrick Kuehl ’24, citing him as a more composed choice compared to Da Silveira. The Cornell Democrats endorsed Kuehl, emphasizing his leadership qualities over political stances.
DeLorenzo’s endorsement switch raised questions about his motives and alliance shifts, prompting speculations on his strategic maneuvers within the Assembly.
After Da Silveira’s victory in the presidential election, DeLorenzo publicly accused him of engaging in non-consensual sexual activity, leading to a motion for Da Silveira’s removal from office.
Subsequently, a dispute arose regarding the succession of the presidency, with conflicting interpretations of the Assembly’s governing documents and charter rules.
The aftermath saw Kuehl assuming the presidency, supported by DeLorenzo and others who believed in a clear mandate for his leadership, despite challenges to the transition process.
Kuehl’s tenure as president marked a shift in focus, with no resolutions pertaining to the Interfraternity Council being passed under his leadership.