Overview

• The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) texted Barnard College faculty personal phones with a survey asking about Jewish identity and experiences of antisemitism, without prior notification from the college.
• Barnard’s general counsel confirmed the texts were part of an ongoing EEOC investigation into alleged antisemitic harassment that began last summer and stated participation was voluntary.
• Faculty expressed outrage over the intrusive method, with some comparing it to historical persecution, citing fears over the government identifying Jewish individuals.
• Barnard admitted to sharing faculty contact information with the EEOC under legal obligations but pledged to provide advance notice for future data-sharing unless prohibited by court orders.
• The Trump administration continues to pressure universities through funding freezes and audits, citing concerns over antisemitism and campus governance policies.