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 is the second such instance this academic year. A previous survey circulated Sept. 10 asked for information about anti-Semitic communications, hiring practices and anti-bias training, a Cornell employee said. Cornell Daily Sun.According to an email obtained on March 17 Daily SunThe EEOC contacted both current and former employees, stating that it was “investigating allegations of discrimination involving Cornell University” and requesting that recipients complete a questionnaire on their workplace experiences.The agency noted that employee participation would help in “diagnosis.”[ing] Cornell University complies with federal equal employment opportunity laws,” the newspaper reports.
The survey focuses on workplace experiences related to religion.
The questionnaire asks respondents whether they have experienced specific behaviors associated with their identity, including whether they “practice Judaism, have Jewish ancestry, are Israeli, and or associated with someone who is Jewish and/or Israeli.”It lists potential incidents such as harassment, threats and unwanted remarks. It also asked whether the protests or demonstrations restricted access to workplaces or created a dangerous environment.The EEOC described the survey as part of “an ongoing EEOC inquiry” and said the responses form “an important part” of its investigative process, the newspaper reports. The agency also said employers are prohibited from retaliating against individuals who participate.
The university acknowledged the inquiry, citing existing policies.
In a March 19 statement, Cornell said it was aware of the inquiry and would “cooperate with any government investigation,” according to the newspaper. The university added that it “does not tolerate antisemitism or discrimination of any kind” and cited policies to prevent harassment and ensure equal employment opportunities.
The investigation is ongoing despite the previous federal settlement.
The current inquiry follows a previous federal investigation of Cornell over allegations of antisemitism. In November 2025, the university reached a settlement with the federal government that restored access to research funding after a civil rights investigation.In a November 7 statement shared by Daily SunCornell said it was “not found to be in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964” and that the government agreed to close the investigation.However, the settlement dismissed the ongoing EEOC cases. “Nothing in this agreement applies to EEOC charges currently pending,” the agreement states.
Campus climate and timing of outreach
The March survey again asks whether the protests affected employees’ ability to access workplaces or disrupted operations. Cornell policies allow protest but prohibit disruption 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. According to the newspaper, he also advised employees not to respond at the workplace or during working hours.The outreach coincided with and approached the final days of Ramadan Eid al-Fitra period of religious observance for many on campus, even as Israel-Hamas war-related protests continued during the academic year.The EEOC has not given a timeline for the inquiry or indicated possible outcomes. Cornell is among several universities facing federal scrutiny over allegations of antisemitism.
