First on FOX: A controversy surrounding “Doge-like” emails from a student at one of the leading universities in the U.S. has caught the attention of lawmakers.
Rep. Troy Nehls from Texas sent a letter to Brown University on Friday, urging the institution to rethink its disciplinary measures against Alex Sie, who communicated in a style reminiscent of Elon Musk’s efficiency-themed emails.
“The report indicates that Mr. Sie was merely trying to do journalism by reaching out to university staff to ask about their roles and responsibilities. This seems to stem from his belief that students are concerned about campus facilities and how resources are allocated,” he stated.
“It raises significant concerns about the university’s dedication to transparency and its tolerance for differing opinions when students are punished for merely trying to understand how the university operates.”
Brown University students frustrate non-faculty staff by asking, “What do you do all day?” as punishment looms
Rep. Troy Nehls has written to Brown University regarding student Alex Sie. (Getty/Reuters)
Nehls also asked for details on how Brown could utilize its $7.2 billion endowment to cut tuition and enhance student life.
This comes amidst scrutiny from the Trump administration regarding Ivy League schools.
Sie generated a database of 3,805 non-accounting staff members at Brown, asserting, “What do you do all day?”
He mentioned he was facing a disciplinary hearing after being “charged with misrepresentation and breaching IT policy.”
Tuition at Brown University for the 2025-2026 academic year stands at $71,700. Including living costs for food and housing, the total expense is around $93,000. Overall, indirect fees push the annual cost up to approximately $96,000.
Alex Sie, a sophomore at Brown University, stated he reached out to staff asking about their daily roles to understand tuition hikes. (Photo: Zoom screenshot)
“We ask you to reconsider the disciplinary actions against Mr. Sie and reaffirm Brown’s commitment to free expression among students,” Nehls wrote.
“Additionally, concerning your $7.2 billion endowment with a reported 10% annual return, please explain how these funds are being used to enhance the student experience and lower tuition costs.”
Nehls had previously proposed a significant increase in excise taxes on large university endowments, aligning them closer to corporate tax rates.
Brown University representatives did not comment specifically on Nehls’ letter during an inquiry from Fox News Digital, but they indicated that the freedom of speech issue was broader than it appeared.
Trump administration has put federal funding for Brown University under review due to anti-Semitic incidents
“While some present this publicly as a free speech matter, it is not so simple,” said Brian Clark, the university’s vice president for news and strategic communications, in an email statement to Fox News Digital.
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“At the core of the reviews are concerns about the improper handling of private data and whether targeting specific employees violates laws or policies.”
“Brown has established procedures to investigate alleged violations, resolve issues, and take disciplinary action if necessary. These procedures will continue to inform our responses,” Clark added. “Students are encouraged to provide information and are given ample opportunities to engage in the process, ensuring decisions are well-informed.”
Rachel Del Guidice of Fox News Digital contributed to this report.
