Cornell law professor suspended as civil rights probe expands over alleged exclusion of Israeli student from Gaza course

A Cornell University law professor is under civil rights scrutiny after allegations that a colleague tried to exclude an Israeli student from a Gaza-focused course, prompting a complaint and a formal university probe. Cornell confirmed it has suspended Eric Cheyfitz, a professor of American studies and humane letters, saying he admitted actions that violated federal civil rights laws and fell short of the university’s expectations for student interactions.

Allegations about Cheyfitz, who is Jewish and a longtime critic of Israel on campus, were reported by Jewish Insider and prompted further scrutiny of the course in question. The university’s announcement did not detail the specific classroom conduct but indicated that the investigation is ongoing. A spokesperson for Cornell said, based on the findings to date, the faculty member is not teaching this semester and significant disciplinary action is being recommended. Cheyfitz previously served as a faculty adviser to the Cornell chapter of Jewish Voice for Peace, a student group that has been a focal point in campus debates over Israel and Palestine.

The university described the course at issue as titled Gaza, Indigeneity, Resistance, and noted that it had drawn scrutiny from some colleagues who argued that it voiced pre-formed views about a complex conflict and included factual inaccuracies. The course’s description, as reported, stated that Indigenous peoples are involved historically in global resistance against ongoing colonialism, and that the second half would examine settler colonialism in Palestine/Israel. Cheyfitz had taught the course in the spring semester earlier this year.

In the wake of the suspension, William Jacobson, a Yale-trained law professor who runs the Equal Protection Project, urged a broader federal civil rights inquiry in addition to Cornell’s internal process. Jacobson told The Post that if the accusations are true, they would constitute a serious civil rights violation, noting that no faculty member should retaliate against a student for national origin. He said an independent investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division and the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights would help restore confidence in the campus community.

“I think in addition to whatever investigation and steps Cornell takes, the U.S. Department of Justice and the Department of Education need to do an independent investigation,” Jacobson said. “This should not be swept under the rug. This is something that is extremely serious and requires both a thorough investigation, but also an independent investigation, so that the community has confidence.”

The Post attempted to reach Cheyfitz for comment. He has been active in public debates surrounding Israel, and a day after the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attack that killed about 1,200 Israelis, he posted on social media that “Israel started this war.” The post, along with his broader public stance on Israel, has been cited in campus debates about how the university should protect Jewish students and ensure inclusive classes.

Cheyfitz’s case comes as Cornell confronts broader national discourse about campus politics and national origin discrimination. The university has faced scrutiny in the past over how it handles complaints involving antisemitism and pro-Palestinian activism, and federal authorities have signaled a focus on civil rights protections on college campuses. Cornell’s spokesman emphasized the university’s commitment to protecting members of its community from discrimination, while also noting that the investigation will determine whether and what disciplinary actions are warranted beyond the current semester’s suspension.

The course, described by its proponents as a study of Indigenous resistance and settler colonialism in the context of the Gaza-Israel conflict, has drawn criticism from some faculty members for presenting a one-sided view of a protracted conflict. Jewish Insider reported that other professors questioned the course’s framing and potential inaccuracies. The episode underscores ongoing tensions on campuses nationwide as universities navigate political and humanitarian concerns while upholding federal civil rights standards.

The university’s move to suspend Cheyfitz and pursue disciplinary action follows a period of heightened attention to Jewish student safety and campus climate, including external calls for independent oversight when civil rights concerns are raised. While the department investigates, the incident also raises questions about academic freedom, the boundaries of classroom discourse, and how staff and faculty manage allegations of discrimination based on national origin in a charged political environment.

As the investigation unfolds, the campus community waits for more information about the findings and any ensuing steps. The university has not said when the review is expected to conclude, but officials stressed that it will be thorough and independent of external pressure. The case remains a focal point in discussions about the balance between rigorous academic inquiry and safeguards against discrimination in higher education.