The U.S. Department of Justice announced on July 21 that it had launched a second investigation into George Mason University. This latest action marks the fourth federal probe into the university in the past month.
In a release, the DOJ says the latest investigation “will examine whether George Mason University, a recipient of federal financial assistance, has engaged in discriminatory practices based on race, color, or national origin against its students.”
In a July 17 statement, DOJ said it is investigating “statements and policies” made by George Mason’s president Gregory Washington that “indicate that race and sex are motivating factors in faculty hiring and other employment decisions to achieve “diversity” goals.”
Washington responded to the DOJ investigation on July 18. “It is inaccurate to conclude that we created new university policies or procedures that discriminated against or excluded anyone. To the contrary, our systems were enhanced to improve on our ability to consistently include everyone for consideration of every employment opportunity. That is our ethos and it is core to our identity as a national leader in inclusive excellence in higher education,” Washington said in a statement.
GMU Professors Support Gregory Washington
In light of these recent investigations, a group of GMU professors is expressing support for Washington. This week, the GMU chapter of the American Association of University Professors (GMU-AAUP) issued a no confidence vote against Mason’s Board of Visitors.
“Mason’s Board of Visitors has shown time and again that they care more about their partisan agendas than their duty to support and advance Mason’s public mission,” GMU-AAUP president Bethany Letiecq said in a statement. “The board’s failure to defend President Washington from a politically motivated pressure campaign was the final straw.”
The group also criticized Mason’s Board of Visitors for hiring the law firm Torridon Law PLLC. The firm was founded by former U.S. Attorney General William Barr and is staffed by attorneys connected to President Donald Trump’s administration, The Virginia Mercury reported. GMU-AAUP says hiring this representation compromises the university’s defense and aligns the board with partisan attacks.
NoVA Business Leaders Weigh In
On July 23, several Northern Virginia business organizations sent a letter to GMU’s Board of Visitors in support of Washington. The letter is signed by the Northern Virginia Technology Council, the Northern Virginia Chamber, and the Loudoun County and Prince William chambers of commerce.
“We strongly support George Mason University and the strategic direction that Mason’s president, Dr. Gregory Washington, has set for the university as a preeminent educational institution that delivers the region’s workforce. Simply stated, Mason is advancing our regional future,” the letter stated.
Feature photo of Gregory Washington by Ron Aira/George Mason University
