A Cornell University student has been reported to the university's Office of Civil Rights after sending an antisemitic message when rejecting a job offer from a tech startup.
The incident has prompted widespread outrage and a university investigation.
Austin Franco, a member of the Class of 2028, declined an offer from real estate tech startup VryfID, co-founded by brothers Gabe Einhorn and Aiden Einhorn.
The university responded by emphasizing its disapproval of antisemitism and hate speech, while looking into the matter as a bias complaint.
Gabe Einhorn said he did not plan to pursue further action against the student.
"[With] all these comments [that are] antisemitic, I think the best thing is just to not let it get to you and not respond to it," he said.
Einhorn later thanked host Piers Morgan for confronting Franco during a television appearance and announced plans to create a support network for young Jewish entrepreneurs facing similar hostility.
Following the public backlash, Franco launched a crowdfunding campaign on GiveSendGo that collected approximately $25,000, while claiming his parents forced him to leave home.
During an undercover interaction with an investigator from Accuracy in Media posing as a fellow antisemite, Franco addressed the response to his initial social media post.
"It might not have been the smartest thing to say," he said.
He elaborated on his original intent: "But the reaction was like—overwhelming. Not equal to what I said."
Franco also defended his communication style when rejecting job offers: "I mean I thought I was being nice.
Saying this is why I don’t want to work for you. Most employers are just like, ‘Sorry, we can’t hire you.’
They don’t give you a reason. At least you know, right?"
When questioned about potential disciplinary measures from the university, Franco indicated limited administrative pushback. "As of now they said there’s not anything going on on their back end.
I think because I didn’t say anything that could be classified as hateful. There wasn’t really a leg they could go on," he said.
During the recorded conversation, Franco attributed his employment difficulties to Jewish employers, alleged ethnic favoritism in hiring, mocked Jewish religious practices, and promoted racial theories regarding intelligence.
He also expressed future career ambitions, saying "Something in politics." When asked if he planned to run for public office, he left the option open: "Maybe."
In response to a suggestion about running for county commissioner, Franco indicated higher aspirations: "I don’t know, maybe something a little bigger."
During a July 28 interview on Piers Morgan Uncensored, Franco doubled down on his statements, compared his refusal to hire Jewish people to avoiding short people, invoked freedom of association, and cited Israel's military actions as a reason for his views.
He also expressed support for Nick Fuentes' "America First" movement before Morgan terminated the interview.
