A plaintiff sued Cornell University claiming the institution refused to consider white candidates for a faculty opening by creating an interview list of only ‘underrepresented minority scholars,’ alleging violations of Title VII. The complaint, filed with attorneys from the America First Policy Institute, alleges Cornell kept the vacancy off public posting and restricted the applicant pool contrary to university policy. Cornell declined comment. The suit follows a spate of legal challenges to diversity, equity and inclusion practices across higher education and arrives as federal agencies and courts re‑examine whether DEI initiatives run afoul of employment law. Academic affairs leaders and HR offices should immediately review search procedures, documentation, and posting practices to ensure consistent compliance with nondiscrimination statutes and institutional policy. The case may prompt renewed litigation risk for universities with targeted recruitment or affirmative selection programs.