First on FOX: The brewing controversy over “Doge-like” emails at one of America’s top universities has attracted Capitol Hill’s attention.
R-Texas Rep. Troy Nehls wrote a letter to Brown University Friday morning. Alex Siera sophomore student who sent an email reflecting Elon Musk’s Office of Government Efficiency (DOGE) style, asked non-finance college workers “all day.”
“The report shows that Mr. Sie is engaged in the journalistic conduct of contacting university administrative employees to inquire about their roles and responsibilities, which appears to arise from his perspective that students are concerned about university facilities and are concerned, raising questions about the allocation of administrative resources.
“Punishing students for what appears to be an attempt to understand the management structure of universities raises serious questions about the institution’s commitment to open investigations and tolerance of dissent.”
R-Texas Rep. Troy Nehls wrote to Brown University about student Alex Shieh. (Getty/Reuters)
He also requested more information on how Brown could use his $7.2 billion donation to lower tuition fees and improve the lives of students.
That comes when the American Ivy League is being propelled under the microscope Trump administrationboth tuition fees and rising controversy over anti-Semitism on campus.
Shieh created a database of 3,805 non-accounting employees who worked at Brown University, saying, “What do you do all day?”
He wrote to X that he was disciplinary hearing after being “indicted for misrepresentation and violated IT policy.”
The tuition fee for Brown University for the 2025-2026 academic year is $71,700. According to the school’s website, fees, food and housing fees amount to around $93,000 a year. Indirect fees estimate the annual cost is approximately $96,000.
Alex Sie, a sophomore at Brown University, said he sent dog-like emails to non-pastor employees asking what they do all day long to understand why tuition became so expensive. (Zoom screenshot)
“We encourage you to reconsider the disciplinary action taken against Mr. Sea and reaffirm Brown’s commitment to protecting the free expression of all students,” writes Neals.
“In addition, below, screenshots from Brown’s website perform a donation of $7.2 billion, boasting a 10% annual return. Please explain how these funds are being used to improve the student’s experience and reduce tuition fees.”
NEHLS previously introduced a bill from 1.4% to 21% that significantly raises excise taxes on most large university contribution funds, in line with the corporate tax rate.
Brown University officials declined to comment directly on the NEHLS letter when Fox News Digital arrived, but denying freedom of speech was a bigger issue.
Trump administrators have suspended federal funds at Brown University over anti-Semitic responses
“Even though it is reportedly being publicly framing this as a free speech issue, it is definitely not,” Brian Clark, vice president of news and strategic campus communications, said in an email statement to Fox News Digital.
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“At the heart of Brown’s reviews are questions that focus on the inappropriate use of private brown data, private data systems, and/or targeting individual employees violates law or policy.”
“Brown has detailed steps to investigate alleged enforcement code violations, resolve them, and implement discipline if the student is deemed responsible. These will continue to guide our actions,” Clark added. “Students provide information and ensure that they have ample opportunity to participate in the process in person, and that all decisions are made with a full understanding of the situation.”
Rachel Del Guidice of Fox News Digital contributed to this report.
