Feds say Cisco likely failed to protect pro-Palestinian workers from harassment

The US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission found reasonable cause to believe Cisco Systems violated Title VII by subjecting Palestinian, Arab, and Muslim employees to a hostile work environment. The probe focused on harassing messages in an internal forum called the Connected Jewish Network. Employees are considering legal action after the EEOC indicated it will not sue. The determination, issued in June 2026, follows complaints after the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks. Cisco has disputed the finding, stating it took appropriate action.

The US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has found reasonable cause to believe that Cisco Systems violated the civil rights of Palestinian, Arab, and Muslim employees by failing to protect them from a hostile work environment. The determination, issued in June 2026, centers on harassing messages posted in an internal company forum called the Connected Jewish Network. The EEOC concluded that Cisco may have subjected employees to discrimination based on national origin, religion, or association, in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The case follows the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks, after which pro-Palestinian employees urged the company to end business with Israel, while Jewish employees said they faced harassment. A complaint by Legal Aid at Work alleged that forum posts glorified violence and labeled Palestinians and Muslims as terrorists. The EEOC finding is not binding and the agency indicated it will not sue, but employees are considering collective and individual litigation. Cisco has disputed the determination, stating it investigated and took appropriate action, including removing comments and issuing discipline.