Federal probe into Cornell University deepens as EEOC sends new antisemitism survey to employees

University employees received a federal survey on March 17, 2026, as part of an ongoing investigation by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) into alleged discrimination at Cornell University.

The outreach marks the second such instance this academic year. A previous survey circulated on September 10 sought information on antisemitic communications, hiring practices and anti-bias training, a Cornell employee told The Cornell Daily Sun.

According to a March 17 email obtained by The Daily Sun, the EEOC contacted both current and former employees, stating that it is “investigating allegations of discrimination involving Cornell University” and requesting recipients to complete a questionnaire on workplace experiences.

The agency noted that employee participation would assist in “assess[ing] Cornell University’s compliance with federal equal employment opportunity laws,” the newspaper reports.

Survey focuses on religion-linked workplace experiences

The questionnaire asks respondents whether they experienced specific 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 possible incidents such as harassment, intimidation and unwelcome remarks. It also asks whether protests or demonstrations limited access to workplaces or created a threatening environment.

The EEOC described the survey as part of “an ongoing EEOC inquiry” and said responses form “a critical part” of its investigative process, the newspaper reports. The agency also stated that employers are prohibited from retaliating against individuals who participate.

University acknowledges inquiry, cites existing policies

In a March 19 statement, Cornell said it is aware of the inquiry and “will cooperate with any government investigation,” according to the newspaper. The University added that it “does not tolerate antisemitism or any form of discrimination” and referred to policies prohibiting harassment and ensuring equal employment opportunity.

Probe continues despite earlier federal settlement

The current inquiry follows earlier federal scrutiny of Cornell over antisemitism allegations. In November 2025, the University reached a settlement with the federal government that restored access to research funding after civil rights investigations.

In a November 7 statement shared by The Daily Sun, Cornell said it had “not been found in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964” and that the government agreed to close those investigations.

However, the settlement excluded ongoing EEOC matters. “Nothing in this Agreement applies to any currently pending EEOC charges,” the agreement stated.

Campus climate and timing of outreach

The March survey again asks whether demonstrations 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 asked recipients to complete the survey by March 31 and offered the option to speak directly with an investigator. It also advised employees not to respond using workplace devices or during work hours, according to the newspaper.

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 during the academic year.

The EEOC has not outlined a timeline for the inquiry or indicated possible outcomes. Cornell is among several universities facing federal scrutiny over antisemitism allegations.
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