In a letter led by Sen. Patty Murray, senators said they want a briefing on the agency's "efforts to promote a diverse and inclusive workforce" | Getty Senate Democrats 'deeply troubled' by 'racist, bigoted' views shared by Trump education appointees

Six Senate Democrats said Wednesday they're "deeply troubled" by "racist, bigoted, and misogynistic statements" made on social media by several of President Donald Trump's Education Department hires.

In a letter to Jason Botel, new senior White House adviser for education, and Acting Education Secretary Phil Rosenfelt, the senators said they want a briefing on the agency's "efforts to promote a diverse and inclusive workforce free of prejudice or malice, the administration's vetting procedures for appointees, and how the department intends to handle reports of inappropriate communications or behavior from staff."


The letter comes after POLITICO reported that several of Trump's political appointees, prior to being given jobs at the Education Department, shared unflattering views about African-Americans, transgender people and “fat chicks" on social media. The letter was led by Sen. Patty Murray and signed by Sens. Tammy Baldwin, Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, Cory Booker and Al Franken.

At least one of the employees cited by POLITICO, Teresa UnRue, appears to no longer be working at the Education Department.

UnRue, a former field organizer for the Trump campaign and graphic designer from Myrtle Beach, S.C., shared a video on Facebook of an African-American man eating fried chicken and wondering aloud why other African-Americans are mad about slavery when “Y'all weren't no damn slaves."

"Had me crack'n up!! Thank you!" UnRue wrote.

Another Education Department hire, Kevin Eck, tweeted about an all-black cast for “The Wiz Live!” on NBC. “There sure would be quite an uproar if it was an all-white cast.” He later posted his apology.

In response to POLITICO's report, Botel said last week that Education Secretary nominee Betsy DeVos, if confirmed, “will take expedient action to discipline any employees who are engaged in inappropriate and unacceptable activities."

“Secretary-designate DeVos is working with the White House to address issues that were brought to her attention involving social media posts and other behavior that is unacceptable and will not be tolerated by her or President Trump,” Botel said.

The Senate Democrats write that, "While it now has been reported that at least one employee in question will no longer be joining the department, we remain concerned about the employment decisions and hiring practices being established by the Trump administration."

Botel could not immediately be reached for comment about the Democrats' letter. Multiple POLITICO requests for an updated list of Trump's Education Department hires have gone unanswered.