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Professor Filed EEOC Complaint Against Duquesne University

Alex Kranjec alleges he faced antisemitic harassment and retaliation within the university's psychology department.

Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Judaism

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Psychology professor Alex Kranjec filed an EEOC complaint against Duquesne University, alleging a hostile work environment involving antisemitic harassment and professional retaliation. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Psychology professor Alex Kranjec has filed an EEOC complaint against Duquesne University, citing ongoing antisemitic harassment and professional retaliation. The filing asserts that the institution failed to address concerns he raised regarding a hostile environment.

Why it matters

The case highlights concerns regarding the handling of antisemitism claims within academic institutions and the potential for retaliatory actions against faculty members who report such behavior. It serves as a test of university accountability protocols for addressing bias and discrimination.

The Brandeis Center filed the complaint on September 11, 2026, on behalf of Professor Alex Kranjec. The documentation includes allegations dating back to October 2023.

The players

Alex Kranjec

He is a professor of psychology at Duquesne University.

The Brandeis Center

This organization advocates for the civil and human rights of the Jewish people and filed the complaint.

Duquesne University

This is a private Catholic university located in Pittsburgh.

The details

Kranjec alleges that after he reported anti-Jewish harassment in the psychology department in October 2023, he faced retaliatory actions, including being removed from a student examination committee in March 2026. He also claims that Duquesne created an alternative course in November 2025 specifically to bypass a required course he previously taught.

Timeline

  1. October 2023: Kranjec first reported harassment at the department.

  2. November 2025: An alternative course was created to replace Kranjec's required class.

  3. March 2026: The university removed Kranjec from a student's examination committee.

  4. September 11, 2026: The Brandeis Center filed an EEOC complaint against Duquesne.

Culture Shift

This case aligns with the broader trend of increased legal filings regarding religious discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. It reflects a shift where faculty are increasingly utilizing federal oversight to challenge institutional responses to campus bias.

The ongoing federal investigation may lead to mandated policy reforms at Duquesne University regarding faculty conduct and grievance procedures. Residents and students should anticipate heightened scrutiny of the institution's internal investigation processes.

The takeaway

The filing of this complaint demonstrates the formal legal avenues available to faculty members who believe their internal grievances have been ignored. It underscores the importance of transparency in university disciplinary and administrative procedures.

Further reading

For more context on religious discrimination and rights, see our Judaism section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by TribLIVE.

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