Story perspectives

Supreme Court to Decide Cisco's Role in Human Rights Case

1/13/2026

Center

Cisco's Legal Challenge

The U.S. Supreme Court will hear Cisco Systems, Inc.'s appeal in a lawsuit alleging the company aided China's surveillance of Falun Gong practitioners under the Alien Tort Statute.
The case was revived by a 2023 ruling that found plausible allegations against Cisco for facilitating human rights abuses.
Cisco argues the lawsuit is unfounded and seeks to limit the Alien Tort Statute's application.
The court's decision could set a precedent for corporate accountability in human rights cases, with oral arguments expected by June 2026.

Left

Supreme Court Considers Transgender Sports

In January 2026, U.S. Supreme Court will hear cases challenging state bans on transgender athletes in West Virginia and Idaho.
Laws would prohibit trans girls from competing in girls' sports after courts blocked them.
Advocates warn that upholding the bans could enable broader anti-LGBTQ+ policies affecting bathrooms, names, and harassment protections.
Opponents say the bans lack credible evidence of harm to cisgender girls and reflect a wider anti-trans rights campaign.

1 of 2

Cisco's Legal Challenge

The U.S. Supreme Court will hear Cisco Systems, Inc.'s appeal in a lawsuit alleging the company aided China's surveillance of Falun Gong practitioners under the Alien Tort Statute.
The case was revived by a 2023 ruling that found plausible allegations against Cisco for facilitating human rights abuses.
Cisco argues the lawsuit is unfounded and seeks to limit the Alien Tort Statute's application.
The court's decision could set a precedent for corporate accountability in human rights cases, with oral arguments expected by June 2026.

1 / 2