A Cornell University student’s actions have drawn attention as they declined an internship with VryfID, a startup founded by Jewish entrepreneurs. The student, Austin Franco, allegedly stated, “Not interested in working for a Jew.” This incident has led Cornell to launch an investigation into the matter.

Incident Overview

Franco reportedly turned down an internship interview with VryfID, a New York City-based company that connects renters with landlords and verifies their identities to prevent fraud. The company’s co-founders, Gabe and Aiden Einhorn, shared the exchange, drawing outrage over the antisemitic comment.

“This kid applied to our job on Handshake, we accepted him, and then he responded this,” said Gabe Einhorn. Franco then stated his experiences had not been pleasant with Jewish individuals, both online and offline.

Cornell University condemned the comments and has referred the issue to its Office of Civil Rights for investigation. The university emphasizes its commitment to a safe and inclusive environment.

Broader Implications

The incident has highlighted concerns about antisemitism and discrimination on college campuses. Gabe Einhorn noted that overgeneralizing based on religion or race is not beneficial for society, as it prevents people from forming connections and working together peacefully.

The situation raises questions about the sources of ingrained prejudices among young adults today. Calls have been made for parents and educational institutions to more effectively address these social issues.

The incident at Cornell is not isolated, as antisemitism continues to be a challenge across various institutions. Communities are urged to recognize and combat such forms of hate actively.