Survey Monkey investigating ‘racist’ survey that asked about Fresno candidate’s age, turban

The polling software company used for a Fresno City Council survey that critics have called “racist” says it is investigating what happened.

Nav Gurm, a 26-year-old Sikh-American and attorney, is running against community advocate Ariana Martinez-Lott for Fresno’s City Council District 7 seat, representing east-central Fresno. Current Councilmember Nelson Esparza is terming out.

A recent survey — texted to District 7 voters — asked about support for a candidate wearing a turban, and support for a 26-year-old candidate. Both those descriptions apply to Gurm.

In a Fresno Bee story Tuesday, both candidates condemned the survey question as “racist.”

Public Opinion Research identified itself as conducting the survey, using Survey Monkey as the platform.

“Our Acceptable Uses Policy prohibits content that advocates for the exclusion of individuals based on protected characteristics, including religion and national origin. We take reports of potential policy violations seriously and are investigating this matter consistent with our policies and applicable law,” Survey Monkey spokesperson Samantha Carlson-DuBois told The Bee.

Gurm would be the first Fresno councilmember of Sikh heritage. Another Sikh candidate, Naindeep Singh, is running in District 1. The candidates each wear turbans, which traditionally represent a Sikh’s commitment to their faith.

Who is behind poll?

Public Opinion Research has a limited online profile.

A company with that name based in Michigan has a website, but an email listed bounced back. The Survey Monkey poll concluded with a phone number in the 831 area code, used in Monterey, Salinas and Santa Cruz. The phone number had a recorded message, only offering an option to opt out of future surveys.

Survey Monkey would not reveal who is behind the poll.

“SurveyMonkey is committed to protecting the privacy of its users and does not disclose customer information to third parties absent valid legal process,“ Carlson-DuBois said.

On his Facebook campaign page, Gurm thanked his opponent for joining him in calling out the survey question.

“Appreciate you, Ariana, truly. Thank you for condemning this and for your remarks on the Department of Homeland Security post as well. Respect you. Disappointing that whoever did this thought it was acceptable. Our community is better than this,” Gurm wrote.