Cornell Law Professor to Sue University Over Whistleblower Case
A law professor at Cornell University is gearing up to file a federal civil rights lawsuit against the institution following claims made by an Israeli student. This student, Oren Leonard, alleges he was excluded from a course focused on the Gaza Strip due to his nationality.
Details about Leonard, including his past as a member of an elite military oversight group within the Israel Defense Forces, were leaked to the media, sparking significant attention, particularly from outlets like The Nation.
William Jacobson, who heads the Equal Protection Project—a legal organization focused on addressing discrimination in universities—commented, “There’s a real effort to keep students in the dark while exposing their identities, which can pose dangers to their safety.”
He continued, mentioning that attacks against Leonard could dissuade other students, especially those who are Israeli or Jewish, from voicing their concerns about discrimination. They might be worried that their names would be made public, putting them at risk.
Following Leonard’s allegations, Cornell’s Office of Civil Rights determined there was evidence of discrimination in the case. Consequently, the professor who taught the course has opted to retire, a university representative confirmed.
Jacobson believes that releasing Leonard’s identity could infringe upon federal civil rights laws and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
“My team and I are prepared to file a civil rights lawsuit with the Department of Justice and the Department of Education. We’re seeking an inquiry into the harassment and intimidation of students, particularly those who have lodged complaints,” he stated.
This situation arose when Leonard alleged he was removed from the course titled “Gaza, Indigenous Peoples, and Resistance” due to his Israeli citizenship. Jacobson described the university’s investigation as thorough.
Leonard’s accusations were directed at Eric Sheifitz, a former American studies and humanitarian letters professor known for his anti-Israel stance.
Cornell confirmed last month that it had suspended Sheifitz, noting he had admitted to conduct inconsistent with federal civil rights law and failed to adhere to the university’s student interaction guidelines.
A Cornell spokesperson remarked that, “Professor Sheifitz’s decision to retire concludes our disciplinary process. The finding against him remains in effect.”
In a recent interview with the student newspaper, the Daily Sun, Sheifitz expressed that he initially welcomed Leonard but later suspected that Israeli students were recording and surveilling others, which he believed violated university regulations.
Jacobson countered, saying, “The university found that the student’s request to leave class was indeed a civil rights violation. Professors can’t ask students to leave due to their nationality or perspectives, and that’s what happened here.”
Sheifitz, on the other hand, claimed he asked Leonard to exit because he was reportedly distressing other students, not participating appropriately, and making contradictory statements.
Sheifitz’s attorney has not responded to requests for comments.
Even after Cornell’s Office of Civil Rights identified discrimination in Leonard’s case, the Faculty Senate Committee rejected those findings.
The Civil Rights Committee utilized a “proposed standard of evidence,” while the Faculty Senate went with a more stringent “clear and convincing” standard. After Chafitz’s retirement, the chancellor reopened the case, which had been on hold.
Some of Sheifitz’s peers have even drafted a resolution opposing Cornell’s management of this situation.
Regarding the discrimination determination, Jacobson remarked, “What was established by the Civil Rights Commission stands firm. The Faculty Senate’s conclusions can’t change that.” He emphasized that the university had clearly executed its responsibilities, but more actions are required moving forward.
