Ithaca College faced criticism after allowing a transgender athlete to compete in the Cayuga Duals. The college defended its decision, calling the incident a 'misunderstanding', amid broader political controversies over transgender inclusion in women’s sports.

Ithaca College allowed a trans athlete to compete in a women's rowing event amid controversy over NCAA gender policy changes influenced by executive directives, signaling support for transgender inclusion.

Ithaca College is one of three New York institutions under investigation by the U.S. Department of Education for allegedly awarding impermissible race-based scholarships and engaging in race-based segregation that may violate Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. The college maintains that it complies with applicable civil rights laws.

The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights is investigating Ithaca College over allegations that its scholarship criteria may unlawfully favor students of color, following a complaint by the Equal Protection Project. The probe raises questions over whether the college’s practices align with Title VI requirements and inclusive policies.

Ithaca College faces a federal civil rights investigation by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights into its race-based scholarships aimed at supporting students of color, amid a broader federal pushback on DEI initiatives.

The report details Ithaca College's extensive collaboration with local and regional partners to foster sustainability, support local businesses, and enhance community services. It underscores the institution's commitment to social responsibility, inclusivity, and community-driven innovation.

Ithaca College is facing scrutiny as dining services workers, employed by Sodexo under a longstanding contract, rally for better wages, improved working conditions, and the right to unionize. The college’s administration defends its contractual relationship, stating it is not empowered to negotiate on behalf of the contracted workforce, a stance that indirectly sidelines worker concerns.

After 18 months of stalled negotiations over increased pay and job security for contingent faculty, 88% of Ithaca College part-time and contingent full-time faculty voted to authorize labor action, including the possibility of a strike on February 14. The failure to resolve key contractual issues has led faculty to take a stand, highlighting concerns over the college's treatment of its teaching workforce.