A conservative think tank has submitted a federal civil rights complaint against Cornell University, claiming that the institution misuses diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices in hiring and scholarship opportunities.
The America First Policy Institute (AFPI) lodged this complaint with several federal agencies, including the Department of Justice and the Department of Education, around late June. It’s notable that Larry Kudlow, a host on Fox Business, is currently the vice-chairman of the AFPI board.
The complaint alleges that internal documents and public policies indicate a culture within the university that imposes illegal identity-based ideologies on issues like equal opportunity and merit, which creates a hostile atmosphere. It spans ten pages and specifically criticizes President Michael Kotrykov, indicating he has overseen a hiring process that allegedly excludes qualified candidates based on race and gender.
One key point in their argument is a December 2020 email from a department chair to faculty, which discussed a commitment to diverse hiring practices.
In response, Kotrykov did not provide direct comment to Fox News Digital. However, the Director of Media Relations at Cornell, Lindsey KnowStub, released a statement asserting that the university disputes AFPI’s claims, noting that many referenced materials are outdated and no longer in use.
Cornell emphasized its commitment to compliance with civil rights laws, highlighting that it has conducted audits to align practices with current regulations and has taken corrective action when necessary.
The complaint also accuses the university of limiting scholarships based on race or ethnicity, specifically mentioning programs aimed at supporting Latino students, underrepresented minorities, Native Americans, and African Americans. Cornell maintains that it administers financial aid and scholarships in strict accordance with applicable laws.
Jessica Hart Steinman, an executive adviser at AFPI, remarked that Cornell’s actions infringe on federal law and the principle of equality, urging the government to take appropriate action.
Since taking office in January, President Trump has targeted DEI practices, signing an executive order to discontinue such policies and programs within the federal government. In April, the Department of Education, under Secretary Linda McMahon, warned state education officials that failure to eliminate DEI initiatives could result in the loss of federal funding.
Halham Dillon, the Attorney General of the Civil Rights Division of the DOJ, indicated that serious allegations related to identity-based admissions and employment are taken very seriously. She stressed the necessity for an end to discrimination in U.S. universities, with Cornell not exempt from this directive.
