Judge says Penn must turn over information about Jewish employees in US discrimination probe

"U.S. District Judge Gerald Pappert stated that while employees can refuse to participate in the investigation, the EEOC needs the opportunity to talk to them directly to learn if they have evidence of discrimination."

"The university's spokesperson emphasized that Penn is committed to confronting antisemitism and all forms of discrimination, having taken multiple steps to prevent and address these despicable events."

"Pappert noted that the university and others involved in the litigation significantly raised the dispute's temperature by implying and escalating the situation."

"A former federal official indicated that it is not unusual for federal investigators to request identities of employees of a particular religion to facilitate outreach to potential victims."

A federal judge mandated the University of Pennsylvania to submit records regarding Jewish employees to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission for an investigation into antisemitic discrimination. The judge ruled that while employees can refuse participation, the agency needs direct communication to gather evidence. The university is not required to disclose any employee's affiliation with Jewish organizations. A spokesperson emphasized the university's commitment to combating antisemitism and announced plans to appeal the ruling, citing privacy and First Amendment concerns.

Read at 6abc Philadelphia