EEOC Finds Cisco Likely Violated Civil Rights of Employees

The US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission determined that Cisco Systems, Inc. likely violated the civil rights of Middle Eastern and Muslim employees by allowing a hostile work environment. The finding from the agency's San Jose office follows complaints that the company failed to moderate racist and Islamophobic messages on internal platforms. These incidents occurred after employees signed an open letter in April 2024 challenging the company's business ties to the Israeli military.

The agency stated there is reasonable cause to believe the company violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Cisco Systems, Inc. disagrees with the determination, asserting that it investigated all concerns and took appropriate action.

Efforts to resolve the matter through mediation failed, leaving affected employees to consider individual or collective litigation. Separate grievances filed with the California labor commissioner and the National Labor Relations Board remain under review.