Cornell opens investigation after student rejects Jewish-owned internship
Cornell student’s anti-Semitic message for Jewish-owned startup sparks outrage
Cornell University student Austin Franco faced investigation after rejecting an internship offer from Jewish-owned startup VryfID, claiming he was ‘not interested in working for a Jew’. ‘Outnumbered’ panel discusses ‘shocking’ display of antisemitism. By questioning the source of ingrained prejudices among today’s youth, they emphasize the need for parents and institutions to address the growing problem of hate and discrimination on college campuses.
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Cornell University launched an investigation after one of its students refused an internship at a Jewish-owned company, saying he was “not interested in working for a Jew.”
Cornell University student Austin Franco rejected an internship interview with New York City startup VryfID because its co-founders are Jewish, according to owners Gabe and Aiden Einhorn. VryfID says that while it connects tenants and landlords, it also verifies their identities, which will prevent fraud.
“Hi Austin, I don’t think I saw you on the phone today. I know Sundays aren’t the best time for meetings. However, I’d like to give you a quick call and give you more details about the company and what we do. College students are a vital part of helping VryfID grow. As a rising senior at NYU Stern, I believe other students are crucial to the growth and success of what we’re building,” Aiden Einhorn wrote.
Franco reportedly said, “I’m not interested in working for a Jew. Thank you.”
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Aiden Einhorn and Gabe Einhorn founded VryfID. (Gabe Einhorn)
“This kid applied for our job with a handshake, we accepted him and he responded to that,” Gabe Einhorn said.
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Franco reportedly sent the message through the job board Handshake after applying for a summer internship at the company.
After Gabe Einhorn published the screenshot of the conversation, Franco said, “I was explaining why I was not interested after you wanted to do an interview 3 times. I later learned that you were Jewish.”
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A woman walks past a Cornell University sign on January 14, 2022 in Ithaca, New York. (AP Photo/Ted Shaffrey, File)
“My experiences with Jews have not been very pleasant, both in person and online. That doesn’t mean I haven’t had positive experiences, but that’s not the case overall,” Franco said. “Frankly, your community’s reactions only serve to further prove my point and show that your post about
Cornell University said in a statement to Fox News Digital that it condemned antisemitism, adding that the Office of Civil Rights had launched an investigation.
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“Cornell University learned of a highly offensive comment by a student on the Handshake platform that violated the online job board’s terms of service. This incident was referred to the Cornell Office for Civil Rights for investigation under university policy,” a university spokesperson said. “Cornell condemns anti-Semitism and all forms of hatred and discrimination in the strongest possible terms. The university is firmly committed to providing a safe, inclusive and respectful environment for every member of our community.”
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Gabe Einhorn told Fox News that Franco is an example of someone who overgeneralizes others.
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“There’s a lot of hate in the world right now, and it’s never a good idea to overgeneralize a certain religion or a certain race because you see people from different walks of life who can be friends, do business together, raise a family together,” Gabe Einhorn said. “So I don’t think it’s ever a good idea to overgeneralize in that sense.”
Gabe added that he only shared the first screenshot of X to expose antisemitism.
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“For me, the point of this first post was to show the fact that there is clear antisemitism in the world, after seeing people trying to deny it and telling me it doesn’t exist. I was trying to show an example of like, ‘Look, this is clearly antisemitism, you can’t stand up to it,'” he said.
Franco was supposed to appear at X Space on Sunday night, but backed out.
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A man walks on the campus of Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, on November 3, 2023. The university canceled classes after a student was accused of making violent anti-Semitic threats. (Matt Burkhartt/Getty Images)
“I know everyone is looking forward to the podcast tonight at 10 p.m., but I think it’s best to put that on hold. I’d like to see how things develop with Cornell and if I’ll have the opportunity to attend in the fall,” Franco said. he said. “No matter what decisions are made here today or in the future, know that even if you disagree with me, I will fight for what I believe is right; not for money, power, or anything material, but for the cause itself.”
Fox News Digital has reached out to Franco for comment.
