In a compelling communication to the university community, the President of George Mason University, Gregory Washington, has taken a firm stance against recent allegations made by the federal government regarding civil rights violations. This response comes in light of an investigation initiated by the previous administration, which claims that the university has breached Title VI regulations.
The U.S. Department of Education has publicly stated that the university is accused of unlawfully incorporating race and other inherent characteristics into its policies, particularly in areas such as hiring and promotions.
In his correspondence, Washington expressed his commitment to fully engage with the Office for Civil Rights during this investigation.
“I want to reassure everyone that our institution has always upheld the principle of equality under the law since its founding,” he stated. “This is the essence of our university culture, and I can confidently say that we do not discriminate based on race, color, or national origin. Our initiatives aimed at fostering diversity are intended to create opportunities and promote inclusive excellence, rather than to unlawfully favor or exclude any group.”
Washington provided a concise overview of Title VI, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, and national origin in programs receiving federal funding, as well as the broader Civil Rights Act of 1964. He implied that the previous administration has misinterpreted these laws for its own agenda.
“Currently, we are witnessing a significant transformation in the application of Title VI,” he remarked. “Longstanding initiatives aimed at reducing inequality—such as mentorship programs, inclusive hiring practices, and support for historically marginalized groups—are increasingly being viewed as potentially unlawful. Vague terms like ‘illegal DEI’ are being thrown around without clear definitions, which allows for any initiative related to identity or inclusion to be labeled as discriminatory.”
“This change marks a significant departure from the original intent of civil rights legislation, which was designed not to erase differences but to safeguard individuals from exclusion and ensure equal opportunities for everyone.”
He highlighted that George Mason University, which serves approximately 40,000 students, has an acceptance rate of 90% and boasts a higher number of Pell Grant-eligible students than any other institution in Virginia.
The university’s mission emphasizes that diversity encompasses a range of thoughts, backgrounds, and circumstances. Washington concluded, “Any attempt to redefine our understanding of diversity to focus solely on race-based exclusivity is destined to fail, regardless of who may be excluded.”
In a related note, the university is hosting a series of discussions featuring leaders who have successfully navigated significant changes and established sustainable innovation frameworks within their institutions.
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