Overview

• Federal investigators concluded George Mason University unlawfully used race and other immutable characteristics in hiring, promotion and tenure, violating Title VI.
• Officials proposed a six‑point resolution that requires a public apology from President Gregory Washington, revisions to employment policies, annual training and records access to verify compliance.
• The Education Department cited specific practices, including a 2024 option to bypass competitive searches to advance diversity goals and a handbook requirement for an office sign‑off on hires.
• The inquiry began in July after complaints from multiple professors, and the Justice Department has separate ongoing probes into hiring and promotion practices and the Faculty Senate.
• GMU and its Board said they will review the proposal and cooperate with federal inquiries, as the action fits into a broader Trump administration campaign targeting unlawful DEI practices at universities that has included funding holds and large settlements.