DOJ Launches Investigation Into Hiring Practices
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has opened an investigation into George Mason University. The agency wants to know if the university’s hiring and promotion practices discriminate based on race or sex. The probe includes a review of faculty tenure decisions and recruitment policies.
In a letter to George Mason, the DOJ claimed that diversity efforts might have influenced faculty hiring under President Gregory Washington’s leadership. The agency highlighted past statements where Washington emphasized support for faculty of color and institutional efforts to fight racism.
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon said, “When employers screen out qualified candidates, they erode trust and violate the law. The Justice Department will investigate accordingly.” The department added that it has not reached any conclusions yet.
Gregory Washington Responds to Allegations
President Gregory Washington has firmly rejected claims that the university’s diversity goals exclude or favor certain groups unlawfully. In a July 16 statement, he explained that George Mason’s hiring and promotion policies focus on merit and do not give preferential treatment based on race or other protected characteristics.
“Our diversity efforts are designed to expand opportunity and build inclusive excellence — not to exclude or advantage any group unlawfully,” Washington said. He emphasized that faculty evaluations and tenure decisions follow clear, fair standards.
Washington is also the first Black president of George Mason University. He warned that efforts to reinterpret civil rights laws are being used to challenge long-standing inclusion initiatives.
Education Department and Other Federal Probes
This investigation follows two earlier probes from the U.S. Department of Education. These involve allegations that the university failed to respond adequately to antisemitism and used race in hiring decisions.
George Mason confirmed the first Education Department investigation on July 3, after government documents about the case appeared in conservative outlets. The federal inquiries have sparked questions about Washington’s future as president, especially after similar investigations led to the resignation of University of Virginia’s president Jim Ryan in June.
“It seems like this is orchestrated,” Washington said in an interview, noting parallels between the scrutiny he faces and the campaign against Ryan.
Diversity Efforts Under Scrutiny
Washington defended George Mason’s diversity programs, noting that they align with Virginia’s One Virginia Plan. The plan was designed to promote inclusion and equal opportunity in state workplaces. However, it is expected to end in late 2025 and is unlikely to be renewed by the current governor, Glenn Youngkin, who opposes many diversity initiatives.
“Broad terms like ‘illegal DEI’ are now used without definition, allowing virtually any initiative that touches on identity or inclusion to be painted as discriminatory,” Washington stated. He said mentoring programs and other inclusion efforts are being unfairly labeled as unlawful.
Virginia’s Higher Education Tensions
Virginia’s universities have become flashpoints for debates over diversity and inclusion. At the University of Virginia, former president Jim Ryan stepped down rather than fight a federal probe into diversity policies. Ryan said staying in office would risk jobs, research funding, and student financial aid.
George Mason now faces a similar challenge. Washington’s leadership will likely remain under close watch as the DOJ continues its investigation.
