Education Department Probes George Mason University Diversity Hiring

The Trump administration has launched a federal civil rights investigation into George Mason University (GMU) over allegations that its hiring and promotion practices favor candidates from underrepresented racial groups, potentially violating Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Multiple GMU professors filed a complaint asserting that the university's use of 'Equity Advisors' and diversity-focused hiring and promotion policies, initiated under President Gregory Washington's tenure starting in 2020, amount to illegal racial preference rather than merit-based evaluation. Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Craig Trainor criticized these practices as discriminatory and pledged a thorough investigation by the Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights. GMU denies any discriminatory intent, stating that it complies with federal and state civil rights laws and has renamed its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion office to emphasize compliance while maintaining its commitment to equity. This investigation is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to challenge diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives at public universities, following similar probes at the University of Virginia. The case highlights ongoing national debates over the legality and role of DEI policies in higher education institutions.