Dalai Lama does Albany

The Dalai Lama speaks to reporters during a news conference at the Crowne Plaza in downtown Albany. The Tibetan spiritual leader gave a public talk followed by a question and answer session at Albany's Palace Theatre on May 6.

The Dalai Lama was supposed to pay a visit to the University at Albany in late April, where he was set to speak to students and participate in a number of panel discussions, but he reportedly cancelled his trip because of negative publicity surrounding the Ethical Humanitarian Foundation, the hosting organization. He later rescheduled his visit to Albany, but not his visit to the university.

The EHF was founded by Sarah and Clare Bronfman and is based on the beliefs of Keith Raniere, the founder of a for-profit group NXIVM, who some have likened to a cult. The Bronfmans are both NXIVM supporters and participants.