Federal Agency Launches Discrimination Probe at Cornell University
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has initiated a significant investigation into alleged discrimination at Cornell University, distributing a federal survey to employees on March 17, 2026. This outreach represents the second such instance during the current academic year, following a previous survey circulated on September 10 that focused on antisemitic communications, hiring practices, and anti-bias training.
Survey Details and Employee Outreach
According to a March 17 email obtained by The Cornell Daily Sun, the EEOC contacted both current and former employees, explicitly stating that it is "investigating allegations of discrimination involving Cornell University" and requesting recipients to complete a comprehensive questionnaire about their workplace experiences. The agency emphasized that employee participation would assist in "assess[ing] Cornell University's compliance with federal equal employment opportunity laws."
The questionnaire specifically asks respondents whether they have experienced conduct linked to their identity, including whether they "practice Judaism, have Jewish ancestry, are Israeli, and or are associated with an individual who is Jewish and or Israeli." It lists potential incidents such as harassment, intimidation, and unwelcome remarks, while also inquiring whether protests or demonstrations have limited workplace access or created threatening environments.
University Response and Existing Policies
In a March 19 statement, Cornell University acknowledged awareness of the inquiry and committed to cooperation with any government investigation. The institution declared that it "does not tolerate antisemitism or any form of discrimination" and referenced existing policies prohibiting harassment while ensuring equal employment opportunity.
Background and Previous Federal Scrutiny
This current investigation follows earlier federal scrutiny of Cornell regarding antisemitism allegations. In November 2025, the university reached a settlement with the federal government that restored access to research funding after civil rights investigations. However, that settlement explicitly excluded ongoing EEOC matters, stating that "Nothing in this Agreement applies to any currently pending EEOC charges."
Campus Climate and Investigation Timeline
The March survey again examines whether demonstrations have affected employees' ability to access workplaces or disrupted operations. Cornell policies permit protests but prohibit obstruction and harassment based on protected characteristics. The EEOC has requested recipients complete the survey by March 31 and offered the option to speak directly with an investigator, while advising employees not to respond using workplace devices or during work hours.
The outreach coincided with the final days of Ramadan and approached Eid al-Fitr, a period of religious observance for many on campus, even as demonstrations linked to the Israel-Hamas war have continued throughout the academic year. The EEOC has not outlined a specific timeline for the inquiry or indicated possible outcomes, placing Cornell among several universities currently facing federal scrutiny over antisemitism allegations.
