Cornell Student Sparks Outrage with Antisemitic Comment

A student from Cornell University, Austin Franco, is under investigation following accusations of antisemitism. Franco reportedly declined an internship interview with VryfID, stating he’s “not interested in working for a Jew.” VryfID, a New York City startup, is owned by Jewish co-founders Gabe and Aiden Einhorn. The company aims to connect renters with landlords while preventing identity fraud.

Reports indicate Franco responded to an invitation for an internship interview via Handshake, a job posting board. Gabe Einhorn shared a screenshot of this exchange after Franco’s controversial reply. Franco defended his statement, attributing it to past experiences.

“My experiences with Jews have not been pleasant, both in person and online,” Franco said. “This incident only serves to further prove my point.”

Cornell University has condemned the incident. The institution’s Office of Civil Rights has opened an investigation into the matter. A university representative emphasized Cornell’s commitment to maintaining a respectful and safe environment for its community.

With antisemitism being an ongoing concern, Gabe Einhorn expressed disappointment, highlighting the dangers of overgeneralizing based on religion or race. He shared the incident to raise awareness about antisemitism.

The incident occurred in the context of a broader discussion on antisemitism on college campuses. Institutions and families are urged to address underlying prejudices impacting today’s youth. Franco’s participation in public discussions remains uncertain, pending developments in the investigation.