Education Department Finds George Mason Violated Civil Rights Laws

The U.S. Department of Education found George Mason University in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act for using race as a factor in hiring and promotion decisions, deeming the university's diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies unlawful. Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Craig Trainor criticized President Gregory Washington for leading a campaign to implement these racially discriminatory policies despite previously calling to remove 'racist vestiges' from campus. The investigation revealed that as recently as 2024, GMU's website and faculty handbook indicated preferential hiring practices based on diversity goals, and university officials maintained strict oversight to enforce such policies. The department has proposed a resolution requiring Washington to issue a public apology, revise policies to comply with federal law, conduct annual trainings, and make records available to demonstrate compliance within 10 days. Failure to agree to the terms could result in the loss of federal funding for the university. This development is part of a broader Trump administration effort to eliminate DEI practices from higher education institutions nationwide, especially in Virginia.