Barnard College staff received a survey by the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission asking about Jewish identity and experiences of discrimination. Many initially thought it was a scam due to its unusual nature and was later confirmed authentic as part of an official investigation into the university's treatment of Jewish employees. Concerns have arisen regarding the implications of collecting such sensitive data for combating antisemitism, causing distress among faculty and staff. The survey reflects broader tensions following recent punitive measures against universities regarding antisemitism.
"That the government is putting together lists of Jews, ostensibly as part of a campaign to fight antisemitism, is really chilling," Milanich said. "As a historian, I have to say it feels a little uncomfortable."
After instructing respondents to check a box indicating whether they were Jewish or Israeli, and whether they practiced Judaism, it asked if they had experienced harassment as a result, including 'unwelcome comments, jokes or discussions.'
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