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EXCLUSIVE – Alex Shieh, a student at Brown University recently exonerated of wrongdoing following his controversial email, provided testimony to the House Judiciary Committee concerning the escalating costs of tuition at prestigious universities.
In his statement, Shieh asserted that Brown University, akin to other Ivy League institutions, promotes itself as a selective meritocratic entity.
However, Shieh highlighted that data uncovered by The New York Times reveals the median family income of Brown students surpasses $200,000, ranking it highest among Ivy League schools. Moreover, 47% of the student body hails from the top 5% of earners in the country. A study conducted by Brown University economist John Friedman corroborated that low and middle-income students are vastly underrepresented in these prestigious colleges, even when taking into account academic qualifications.
Following his investigation into the administrative structure of Brown University, Shieh faced backlash from university officials. He had emailed non-faculty staff members, asking pointedly about their daily responsibilities, which led to scrutiny regarding tuition costs.
Shieh, now a rising junior, had previously stirred controversy with a DOGE-like email sent to non-faculty employees, identifying himself as a journalist for The Brown Spectator. In this email, he sought to explore the reasons behind the significant tuition increases at the university.
The Brown Spectator, a right-leaning publication that had ceased operations in 2014, saw a revival this year with Shieh among its board members. However, allegations arose against the board regarding violations of the university’s name, licensing, and trademark policies, leading to a hearing on May 7.
Recent investigations revealed that Shieh had analyzed data about 3,805 non-faculty positions at Brown, questioning the necessity of certain roles. He remarked, “As an investigative reporter for The Brown Spectator, I initiated Bloat@Brown, a website employing AI to evaluate administrative roles, alongside Trialhouse.com, which published similar analyses for Columbia University, Cornell University, and the University of Pennsylvania.”
Shieh further explained, “I reached out to every administrator at Brown for comments, yet only 20 responded. One reaction was decidedly unprofessional, featuring a response that included an expletive. Following this, the university directed employees not to reply, and my site encountered a hacking incident, resulting in the exposure of sensitive information, including my social security number. Administrative actions against me initiated by Associate Dean Kirsten Wolfe mentioned various charges, including emotional harm, privacy invasion, and potential technology policy violations.”
On May 27, Shieh sent a follow-up email to university administrators, describing it as “one last opportunity for them to justify their roles.”
Shieh’s testimony outlined the alarming reality of tuition fees, which have soared over $90,000 annually at Ivy League institutions. He pointed out that Brown University is projected to incur a substantial $46 million deficit this fiscal year.
According to Shieh, university records disclose that Brown employs 3,805 full-time non-instructional staff. Given a student population of 7,229 undergraduates, this equates to nearly one non-teaching staff member for every two students. Shieh clarified that these staff members primarily comprise administrators and support personnel in possibly unclear roles.
During his testimony, Shieh urged the House Judiciary Committee to investigate the reasons behind the cost surge at his university. He proposed several actions, including subpoenaing Brown’s President Christina Paxson for testimony and documents related to administrative expansion and financial aid management. Additionally, he called for protective measures for student journalists and whistleblowers facing institutional retaliation.
Shieh also recommended a comprehensive review of financial aid methodologies utilized by Ivy League schools, enhanced transparency regarding administrative staffing ratios, and scrutiny of universities with significant tuition hikes. He insisted that institutions receiving federal funds should undergo audits.
In a respectful appeal, Shieh concluded his remarks, stating, “Thank you for your attention to these pressing matters. I earnestly urge this Subcommittee to take action in defense of students, families, and the principle of the American Dream.”
A spokesperson for Brown University defended the institution’s practices in a statement provided to Fox News Digital, asserting, “As Brown evolves, the expansion of our staff reflects our commitment to support research and ensure successful careers for our students. Our growth is essential to tackle complex challenges and facilitate genuine solutions for students and their families.”
The spokesperson further countered claims regarding the alleged student-to-administrator ratio, explaining that accurate numbers must account for over 4,000 graduate and medical students, which constitute a significant portion of the university’s population.
Brown’s statement emphasized the university’s robust financial aid programs and asserted that claims alleging stagnant administrative growth harming academic experiences are fundamentally inaccurate. They maintained, “Our staffing numbers should be contextualized within our dual mission as a leading research university dedicated to both undergraduate and graduate education.”
Ultimately, Shieh’s assertions have brought an urgent discussion about administrative bloat and financial transparency in elite universities to the forefront of congressional discourse.
