Lawmaker responds to DOGE-like email causing controversy at Brown University

Texas Rep. Troy Nehls urged Brown University to reconsider disciplinary actions against sophomore Alex Shieh, who sent a DOGE-like email to over 3,800 non-faculty employees. Shieh sought to gather information on administrative roles, characterizing his actions as a standard journalistic inquiry. In response, the university charged him with misrepresentation and violation of operational rules, citing confidentiality concerns. The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression intervened, leading to the dismissal of the misrepresentation charge.

However, the university responded by imposing a new charge related to trademark violations. Shieh expressed his determination to confront these charges, asserting that the university is attempting to hide information from the public. A university spokesperson clarified that the disciplinary actions were not based on free speech issues. The case raises significant questions about the balance between institutional policies and the rights of students to seek information.