EEOC Finds Reasonable Cause Cisco Created Hostile Work Environment

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has found reasonable cause to believe that Cisco Systems Inc. subjected a group of employees to a hostile work environment, violating their rights. The determination stems from complaints alleging discrimination against Muslim, Middle Eastern, and pro-Palestine employees following the October 2023 attacks on Israel and the subsequent war in Gaza.

Complaints indicate that employees expressing pro-Palestine views faced harassment and hateful comments on an internal company forum, the Connected Jewish Network. This occurred after employees protested the CEO's initial response to the conflict and a subsequent open letter calling for Cisco to end contracts with the Israeli government. The letter, which garnered 1,700 signatures, allegedly intensified discriminatory rhetoric.

According to the EEOC filings, Cisco leadership reportedly characterized the letter as "harassment" and attempted to restrict its access on internal platforms. While Cisco later stated some comments would be removed, former employees told The Guardian that vocal critics of the company's relationship with the Israeli government were forced out or let go. By 2025, the company reportedly barred discussions about the war in Gaza, deeming it "too hard, too painful, too divisive."

Margaret Ly, director of the EEOC's San Jose field office, concluded there is "reasonable cause to believe that [Cisco] subjected a class of individuals to a hostile work environment based on their national origin (Middle Eastern), religion (Muslim), and/or their association with Muslim and/or Middle Eastern individuals, in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964."

Cisco has disputed the EEOC's findings. "Cisco is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive workplace where every employee is treated with fairness and dignity, and we take any concerns about discrimination or harassment seriously," a company spokesperson stated. "We disagree with the EEOC’s district office findings. Aligned with the company’s commitment to being an equal opportunity employer, Cisco thoroughly investigated all concerns and took appropriate action."