Recently, faculty and staff at Barnard College and Columbia University received unsolicited text messages from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), linking to a survey inquiring about their Jewish identity and experiences with antisemitism at work.

This outreach, part of an EEOC investigation into potential discrimination against Jewish employees, was conducted without prior notification to the individuals or the college administration. 

No permission to use any personal data was given by the employees to EEOC.

The method of this inquiry has raised concerns about privacy, consent, and the potential for misuse of personal information.

“It would be one thing if they gave them my office number, but they gave them my cellphone number, and who knows what else? I’m concerned that they may have given the numbers of my emergency contacts and my loved ones, who have nothing to do with any of this. I’m worried if they gave other personal identifying information about me,” the staff member said.

We call upon the EEOC to ensure the current and future investigations involving personal identity and sensitive information are conducted with full transparency and prior consent from the individuals and institutions involved.

Implement clear guidelines that protect the privacy and rights of employees during such investigations. 

It’s imperative that efforts to address discrimination are carried out with respect for the very rights they aim to protect.

Sign this petition to advocate for transparency, consent, and respect in federal investigations.