George Mason University

FAIRFAX, Va. (Aug. 22, 2025) — The U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights has determined that George Mason University violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by using race and other immutable traits in faculty hiring and promotion practices.

Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Craig Trainor accused university leadership, under President Gregory Washington, of leading "a university-wide campaign to implement unlawful DEI policies that intentionally discriminate on the basis of race," adding bluntly, "You can't make this up." The administration has offered GMU an opportunity to remedy the violations by entering into a Resolution Agreement.

The proposed agreement would require Washington to:

  • Issue a personal apology and statement reaffirming GMU's commitment to Title VI compliance.
  • Post the statement on the university's website and remove any contradictory content.
  • Review and revise hiring and promotional policies to eliminate race-based preferences.
  • Provide annual Title VI training for staff involved in recruitment, hiring, and advancement decisions.

GMU has ten days to voluntarily accept the resolution or risk further federal action.

This finding follows a July launch of federal investigations into GMU's diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices, triggered by faculty complaints that raised similar concerns.

GMU's Board of Visitors responded that it is reviewing the proposed terms. In a statement, board members emphasized their commitment to full cooperation with the Department of Education, Department of Justice and Congress.

Faculty Senate President Solon Simmons criticized the demand for an apology: "Why would you demand an apology? ... The university has already eliminated programs and policies that the Trump administration deemed discriminatory."

Topics Department of Education