The US Equal Employment Opportunity Oversight Agency (EEOC) began sending text messages to the personal mobile phones of Barnard College professors (New York State), asking them about their Jewish nationality and Judaism. This was reported by the American portal The Intercept, which received copies of the messages.
As noted, the survey was conducted as part of an investigation into possible discrimination against college employees who are Jewish. However, the form and content of the survey drew sharp criticism from the professors who received the messages.
“The fact that the government is texting personal phones to find out who among us is Jewish is incredibly sinister,” said college associate professor Debbie Becher in an interview with the portal. The survey text contained the question “select all that apply”, and then listed the options: “I am Jewish”, “I am Israeli”, “I have Jewish or Israeli descent”, “I practice Judaism”, the portal points out. The authorities’ actions were perceived as a form of pressure on teachers and an attempt to suppress freedom of speech, in particular criticism of Israel. At the same time, the EEOC did not warn the college administration about the upcoming mailing. Only after the teachers contacted the university with questions did the university management confirm that the employees’ contact information was transferred to the agency upon request.