Emails of Education Department employees automatically altered to blame Democrats for government shutdown
Education Department Furlough Sparks Controversy Over Altered Emails
Amid a government shutdown, Education Department employees discovered unexpected alterations in their out-of-office email messages. According to five employees who spoke with Emegypt, these changes introduced partisan language blaming Democrats for the shutdown. All employees, choosing to remain anonymous due to potential professional backlash, emphasized they are civil servants, not political appointees.
Partisan Manipulations Amid Government Shutdown
Initially, the Education Department provided its employees with nonpartisan templates for their out-of-office messages. However, several reports indicate that while employees were furloughed, their messages were altered. These changes prompted significant concern among those affected, as they had not consented to the revisions.
One employee recounted their efforts to revert to nonpartisan wording, only to see it altered again. “None of us consented to this. And it’s written in the first person, as if I’m the one conveying this message,” one employee stated, highlighting concerns about a potential violation of the Hatch Act, which restricts federal employees’ political activities.
Allegations of Partisan Language Enforcement
For some, these changes are perceived as a breach of legality and ethics. Employees are bewildered by the insertion of partisan language into their professional communications and the implications it may have. There are assertions that this behavior transcends previous levels of partisanship witnessed within the department.
Madi Biedermann, the deputy assistant secretary for communications, responded by justifying the language as a reminder of the Senate Democrats’ actions purportedly leading to the shutdown. Yet, employees expressed deep concern over such actions being taken in their name, without consent.
Employee Reactions and Legal Concerns
The alterations prominently featured statements such as: “Thank you for contacting me. Unfortunately, Democrat Senators are blocking passage of H.R. 5371 in the Senate which has led to a lapse in appropriations.” Such wording has left employees feeling entrapped by political messaging they do not endorse.
Affected employees questioned the accountability of those behind these actions. Despite potential fears of Hatch Act violations, they surmise that the department’s actions veer into uncharted partisan territories without facing consequences. “Nobody follows the law anymore, so why does it matter?” lamented one frustrated employee.
The controversy continues to fuel a broader debate over political accountability during governmental functions and partisanship in federal agencies. As the shutdown persists, affected employees and concerned citizens alike seek clarity on the integrity of civil service conduct during such politically charged times.
