Brown University sophomore Alex Shieh is under disciplinary review after emailing 3,805 non-faculty staff members, inquiring, “What do you do all day?” His intent was to investigate the university’s administrative structure amidst rising tuition costs, which have reached nearly $96,000 annually.
Shieh, affiliated with the independent campus publication Brown Spectator, compiled a database categorizing roles into “DEI jobs, redundant jobs, and bulls*** jobs.” The initiative aimed to shed light on administrative bloat contributing to tuition hikes. However, the university contends that Shieh misused non-public data and misrepresented his affiliation, leading to the disciplinary proceedings.
In response, Shieh argues that the university is retaliating against him for exposing inefficiencies. He claims that his actions were journalistic in nature and that the university’s response is an attempt to suppress dissent. Shieh also reported that his Social Security number was leaked following the incident.
The case has garnered attention from public figures, including Elon Musk, who commented “Unreal” on social media. Additionally, Representative Troy Nehls (R-Texas) sent a letter to Brown University urging reconsideration of any disciplinary action, emphasizing the importance of open inquiry in academic institutions.
This incident occurs amid broader scrutiny of Ivy League schools regarding tuition rates and administrative expenditures. Shieh plans to extend his investigation to other institutions, aiming to highlight and challenge perceived administrative excesses in higher education.
