George Mason University – Trump Administration DEI Investigations

Summary

On July 10, 2025, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) opened a Title VI investigation into George Mason University (GMU) following a complaint from several professors. The complaint alleged that the university had “illegally used race and other immutable characteristics” in hiring and promotion decisions, implementing such practices since 2020 under the guise of “anti racism” and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Craig Trainor stated that “pernicious and wide spread discrimination packaged as ‘anti racism’ was allowed to flourish under the Biden Administration, but it will not be tolerated by this one.” The Education Department began examining whether GMU had engaged in race based employment decisions in violation of federal civil rights laws.

On July 18, 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice launched an investigation into whether GMU discriminated against employees based on race and sex in recruitment, hiring, promotion, and tenure. Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon said it was “unlawful and un-American to deny equal access to employment opportunities on the basis of race and sex” and required the university to produce relevant records. That same day, GMU issued a statement saying it “has not engaged in illegal DEI” and that its efforts were “informed by applicable laws, including state requirements like the ONE Virginia Plan.” The university announced it had retained Torridon Law PLLC to coordinate its responses and pledged to “cooperate fully” with the DOJ and OCR.

Soon afterward, a fourth federal investigation was opened, focusing on possible discrimination in admissions and student benefits, as well as the university’s handling of antisemitism complaints. A Justice Department letter stated that “preferential treatment toward or advantages given to one group of students… on the basis of race is illegal” and warned that “a school administration’s deliberate indifference to a racially hostile educational environment is illegal.” Faculty members accused the university’s Board of Visitors of failing to defend President Gregory Washington from politically motivated attacks and of hiring a law firm with Trump era ties. The GMU chapter of the American Association of University Professors passed a vote of no confidence in the board. Meanwhile, local business groups including the Northern Virginia Technology Council and several chambers of commerce issued letters supporting Washington’s leadership and citing the university’s importance to the region’s economic vitality.

On August 1, 2025, the Board of Visitors met in closed session and voted unanimously to approve a resolution eliminating certain DEI programs and directing that remaining efforts be guided by “principles of individual merit and genuine excellence.” The resolution instructed the Office of Access, Compliance, and Community to identify within 30 days all programs not mandated by law for elimination, “including the removal of positions” if necessary. At the same meeting, the board approved a 1.5 percent raise for Washington, matching faculty raises required by state law. Supporters of Washington including faculty, students, and community members filled the meeting room and protested outside, warning that the board’s actions risked undermining academic freedom and diversity efforts. GMU continued to assert that it was in compliance with federal and state law while responding to multiple ongoing investigations.