New York's Barnard College alarmed after federal agency asks about Jewish identity via SMS

Faculty members at Barnard College in New York were stunned after receiving text messages from the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), asking whether they identify as Jewish or practice Judaism.

The survey, which was sent directly to their personal mobile phones, has sparked outrage and concern among recipients.

According to a report by The Intercept, which obtained copies of the messages, the survey was part of an ongoing EEOC investigation into alleged workplace discrimination against Jewish staff at the college. However, the phrasing and delivery of the questions have drawn sharp criticism from faculty.

“It’s incredibly sinister for the government to be texting our personal phones to ask who among us is Jewish,” said Associate Professor Debbie Becher in an interview with the outlet.

 The message reportedly included a prompt to “select all that apply,” followed by options such as “I am Jewish,” “I am Israeli,” “I have Jewish or Israeli heritage,” and “I practice Judaism.”

The move has been widely perceived by faculty as a form of intimidation and an attempt to suppress academic freedom and political expression, especially in relation to criticism of Israel.

Notably, the EEOC did not inform the college administration in advance about the survey. Only after faculty members raised concerns did the administration confirm that staff contact information had been handed over to the federal agency upon request.

Barnard College, affiliated with Columbia University, has in recent months become a focal point for student protests condemning Israeli actions in Gaza. Faculty have voiced fears that federal bodies like the EEOC may now be leveraged to exert political pressure and curb dissent, particularly amid growing public scrutiny of US support for Israel.

By Tamilla Hasanova