Cisco faces allegations of hostile workplace targeting Muslim and Arab employees

Cisco employees have filed complaints alleging that they faced harassment after organizing an internal campaign to oppose the company’s sale of networking and surveillance technology to the Israeli military. The employees, who are part of a loosely coordinated group of engineers and analysts, circulated petitions and held virtual meetings in late 2023 and early 2024 urging Cisco to halt contracts that could be used in operations in the Gaza Strip. According to the complaints filed with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, several participants reported being subjected to intimidation, exclusion from projects, and negative performance reviews after management learned of their activism.

Cisco has responded that it does not tolerate retaliation and that all employees are free to express views on public policy, while also emphasizing that its products are sold to a wide range of customers under strict compliance guidelines. The company’s legal team indicated that an internal review is underway to assess the allegations and that any confirmed misconduct will be addressed in accordance with corporate policy. The case highlights ongoing tensions within multinational tech firms over the ethical implications of supplying equipment that may be used in conflict zones, and it adds to broader scrutiny of corporate involvement in the Israel‑Gaza war.