Senator Ed Markey's Internship Post Sparks Accusations of Discrimination
Republicans criticize the Massachusetts Democrat's social media announcement encouraging applications from underrepresented groups.
Senator Ed Markey, D-Mass., is facing backlash over a social media post that encouraged applicants from minority groups and other underrepresented backgrounds to apply for an internship in his Boston office for the Spring 2027 semester. The post, shared on X, specifically mentioned "BIPOC, LGBTQ+, working class, veterans and other underrepresented candidates with Massachusetts ties."
Conservative figures quickly responded to the announcement, with some alleging discrimination and violations of civil rights law. U.S. Representative Brandon Gill, R-Texas, questioned on X whether "white men [are] allowed to apply, Senator?" Conservative activist Chris Rufo stated, "Crazy that a United States Senator can openly violate civil rights law on Twitter." Katie Miller, podcaster and wife of White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, also wrote on X that the post was "blatantly illegal."
Small Business Administration Administrator Kelly Loeffler commented on X, calling the hiring practice "disturbing." She added, "America’s entrepreneurs compete on merit, not identity. That principle should be nonnegotiable for anyone entrusted with shaping our nation’s small business policy."
Other critics, while not directly accusing Markey of breaking the law, characterized his hiring approach as unjust. Journalist Corey Walker suggested such posts contribute to young white men rejecting the Democratic Party. Online commentator Bernard Stanford argued that the perceived burden of addressing societal inequalities is unfairly placed on others.
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has previously issued guidance stating that encouraging applicants from certain backgrounds does not inherently violate federal discrimination law. However, the agency also cautions that job advertisements expressing preferences based on race, sex, or other protected characteristics may be unlawful. The Congressional Accountability Act extends federal workplace discrimination protections to congressional offices.
The official job posting on Markey's Senate website does not explicitly exclude any demographic groups from applying. As of Wednesday, Markey's office had not responded to requests for comment from Fox News Digital.