The Trump administration, through the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), sent text messages to most Barnard College professors, asking about their Jewish identity and experiences with antisemitism. This sparked outrage, with professors describing the action as "incredibly sinister" and a targeting of free speech. The EEOC claimed they were legally entitled to the contact information as part of an investigation into discrimination against Jewish employees, initiated last summer.
Barnard College confirmed the EEOC investigation and its compliance with the information request. However, they stated that participation in the survey was voluntary and promised future notice of similar requests. Concerns were raised regarding the lack of prior notification and access to personal cell phone numbers.
The incident is viewed within the broader context of the Trump administration's attacks on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The EEOC, under the leadership of a Trump appointee, is accused of being weaponized to target institutions and individuals critical of the administration. This includes reported actions against corporate law firms and the creation of a task force focusing on "anti-Christian bias" within the Department of Veterans Affairs. Critics also suggest a connection between the EEOC actions and protests against the war in Gaza.
Professors express alarm over the potential use of the survey to target faculty members supportive of pro-Palestine students. A lack of transparency and communication from the college administration, regarding data sharing with the government, further exacerbates concerns. The article highlights the potential misuse of Title VII, designed to prevent employment discrimination, as a tool to silence dissent. The administration's broader actions on DEI are criticized as undermining the civil rights movement and catering to a right-wing evangelical base.