Cornell University has launched an investigation into a student who allegedly rejected an internship with a Jewish-owned startup, citing his unwillingness to work for Jewish employers. The incident involves Austin Franco, a Cornell student, and VryfID, a New York City-based startup co-founded by Gabe and Aiden Einhorn. The company specializes in connecting renters with landlords while verifying identities to prevent fraud.
Immediate Action & Core Facts
Cornell University confirmed it is investigating Franco after he reportedly declined an interview with VryfID, stating, 'Not interested in working for a Jew.' The exchange occurred on Handshake, a job posting platform, after Franco applied for a summer internship. Following the rejection, Gabe Einhorn shared a screenshot of the conversation on social media, prompting Franco to respond with further explanations.
Deeper Dive & Context
Franco later clarified his decision, stating that his experiences with Jewish individuals had been largely negative, both in person and online. He acknowledged having some positive interactions but asserted that the aggregate of his experiences justified his stance. The Einhorns, who founded VryfID, expressed shock at the rejection and emphasized the importance of student contributions to their company's growth.
The incident has sparked discussions about antisemitism on college campuses, with some commentators questioning the sources of such prejudices among young people. Cornell University has not yet issued a formal statement on potential disciplinary actions or the status of the investigation.