Cisco Found Likely Liable for Failing to Protect Pro-Palestinian Employees
A federal agency has found that Cisco Systems likely violated the civil rights of Palestinian, Arab, and Muslim employees by failing to protect them from harassment.
The US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission determined in June that there was 'reasonable cause to believe' Cisco subjected the employees to a hostile work environment based on their national origin, religion, or association in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
The case stems from an open letter signed by over 1,700 employees, including mostly Palestinian, Arab, and Muslim workers, urging Cisco to end its business dealings with the Israeli military. They claimed to have been subjected to racist and Islamophobic harassment after circulating the letter.
Cisco has disputed the EEOC's determination, saying it had 'thoroughly investigated all concerns and took appropriate action,' including removing comments, issuing discipline warnings, and providing coaching to multiple employees.