PHILADELPHIA, PA — A federal judge has ordered the University of Pennsylvania to provide records identifying Jewish employees as part of a U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission investigation into alleged antisemitism on campus.
The probe follows multiple reported incidents, including antisemitic graffiti, vandalism at a Jewish student center, and harassment tied to recent protests. Federal officials allege the university may have allowed a hostile work environment affecting Jewish faculty and staff.
U.S. District Judge Gerald Pappert ruled that obtaining employee information is necessary for investigators to determine whether discrimination occurred. While employees may decline to participate, the EEOC must be allowed to contact them directly. The court clarified that the university is not required to disclose religious group affiliations.
The university has pushed back against the order, arguing it raises privacy and constitutional concerns. In a statement, Penn said it does not maintain employee records based on religion and warned that compiling such a list could infringe on First Amendment protections. Officials indicated plans to appeal the decision.
The case stems from a 2023 EEOC complaint alleging widespread antisemitism within the university workplace. The court has set a May 1 deadline for compliance as the investigation continues.
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