Cisco probably violated Middle Eastern and Muslim employees’ civil rights, US agency finds
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission finds ‘reasonable cause to believe’ tech firm subjected workers who spoke up about Palestine to hostile work environment
TL;DR
- The EEOC determined there is reasonable cause to believe Cisco created a hostile work environment based on national origin and religion.
- Complaints detailed racist and Islamophobic messages on an internal platform following pro-Palestinian advocacy by employees.
- Employees who signed a letter challenging Cisco's ties to the Israeli government reported harassment and retaliation.
- Cisco disputes the EEOC's finding, stating they investigated and took appropriate action.
- The EEOC's determination is believed to be the first of its kind against a major company related to pro-Palestinian advocacy in the workplace.
- Employees and their representatives express disappointment in Cisco's response and inaction.
- Several employees who led advocacy efforts have reportedly been terminated or forced out of the company.
- Cisco shareholders have also called for an independent human rights assessment of the company's business ties.