Austin Franco, a 19-year-old student at Cornell University, has been expelled from his parents' home after expressing antisemitic views, including refusing to interview for an internship at a startup due to its Jewish owners. Amid widespread criticism, Franco has not apologized for his stance and is now seeking financial assistance through a crowdfunding campaign.
Franco announced on social media that he would be evicted from his home on August 1st, stating that his parents, who he claims do not share his views, no longer wish to provide him with housing. He has initiated a GiveSendGo fundraiser to cover his living expenses, which has garnered over $8,200 in donations. One top donor, identifying as a former parliament member, contributed $500 and offered to fund a trip to Bali.
His parents, Alexander and Diana Franco, own a home in Broadlands, Virginia. His mother, Diana, confirmed his eviction in a statement to the New York Post, denouncing her son's views as "morally repugnant" and attributing them to "extremist online content." She emphasized that the family does not share his beliefs and expressed love for their son, stating they attempted to counteract the influences affecting him.
Franco, however, dismissed his mother's statement, telling the Post that his beliefs were shaped by "in-person experiences." He intends to move into an apartment near Cornell's campus in Ithaca, New York. He remains enrolled at Cornell, even as university president Michael Kotlikoff has condemned his remarks while affirming the university's commitment to defending free speech.
The controversy began in June when Franco was accepted for a role at VryfID, a New York City-based tech startup. Gabe Einhorn, CEO of VryfID, shared a screenshot of Franco's message on a student careers website, which read: "Not interested in working for a Jew. Thanks." Einhorn, who is openly Jewish, later revealed Franco's full name in an Instagram video.
Franco also recently appeared in an interview with British broadcaster Piers Morgan, where he doubled down on his views. Morgan criticized Franco, calling him "thick" and expressing dismay that a student with the privilege of attending a top university could hold such unremorseful and shame-free beliefs. During the interview, Franco denied being antisemitic, claiming he could not hate Jewish people because one of his ex-girlfriends was half-Jewish. 
