Cornell University faces federal complaint over alleged discriminatory hiring practices

In late June 2025, a federal civil rights complaint was filed against Cornell University by the America First Policy Institute (AFPI), a conservative think tank, which accused the university of utilizing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) strategies in its hiring practices and scholarships. The complaint alleged that the university prioritized identity-based ideologies over merit, creating a 'coercive and hostile environment' for candidates from non-targeted demographics. Specific claims included that Cornell's hiring processes were overseen by President Michael Kotlikoff, who allegedly enacted a system that excluded numerous qualified candidates based solely on their race and gender. The complaint also highlighted specific scholarship programs that restricted financial aid based on race or ethnicity, claiming this approach to scholarships contradicted the principles of equal opportunity. In response, Cornell University has denied these allegations, arguing the AFPI's claims cited outdated practices and that they have engaged external law firms to audit their hiring policies to ensure compliance with civil rights laws. They emphasized their commitment to nondiscrimination in all programs and hiring decisions, insisting that any issues arising from misunderstandings concerning their policies were being addressed, reflecting their respect for equal opportunity. Meanwhile, another public university, George Mason University in Virginia, is also under investigation by the Trump administration for allegedly favoring candidates from underrepresented groups in hiring practices. This investigation marks an expansion of the Trump administration's campaign against DEI policies in educational institutions, branding such initiatives as discriminatory towards white and Asian American individuals. The ongoing investigations into both universities illustrate a broader national discourse concerning diversity initiatives in higher education, which have been increasingly scrutinized under the current political climate. Advocates for these changes assert that the time has come for the government to take decisive action against what they perceive as systemic discrimination in academia. The criticisms of DEI practices reflect a significant ideological divide in the United States regarding equality and social justice initiatives. With the Trump administration actively seeking to dismantle these policies, institutions are grappling with the pressures of compliance against a backdrop of evolving societal norms about diversity. The investigations into these universities serve not only as legal inquiries but also as symbols of the ongoing tension between conservative and liberal viewpoints in academia, highlighting the urgent need for a balanced dialogue on equity and inclusion in educational settings.