When George Mason University (GMU) President Gregory Washington made his annual presentation to the school’s board of visitors on Thursday night, it was based on an apt topic: “This year’s theme is navigating rough waters,” he said.
Washington gave the university high marks for student success. And he put up a strong defense of the university’s work and his leadership — even as GMU faces four federal investigations, and Washington’s supporters fear the Trump administration is trying to force him out.
The theme, referencing federal government cuts, was chosen before GMU became the target of four investigations.
Now, the waters are getting rougher still, with GMU supporters concerned the Trump administration is targeting Washington because he is the university’s first Black president.
The four investigations into GMU are looking at the school’s diversity practices when it comes to student resources and faculty hiring, as well as GMU’s handling of alleged antisemitism on campus.
Similar investigations at the University of Virginia led its president, Jim Ryan, to step down in June.
On Thursday, Washington squarely addressed the challenge facing GMU, at one point even handing out discussion prompts on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and the university.
“We’re the most scrutinized and investigated public institution in the region right now,” Washington said. “And possibly in the country.”
Washington’s presentation spotlighted striking success. GMU is the most diverse university in Virginia, Washington said.
GMU is also rated “high access, high outcome,” meaning 90% of applicants are admitted and wind up with good, high-paying jobs.
In addition, 85% of GMU grads stay in the DMV to work, Washington’s presentation said.
“George Mason doesn’t care who you are,” the presentation said. “We don’t care if you’re Black, white, Asian or other. We put systems in place to support you no matter where you are and get you to the point where you want to be. That’s why students are flocking here.”
Rector Charles Stimson, who leads the board that will weigh in on Washington’s job, was impressed with what he heard.
“We are the best university with the best value in the DMV, period,” Stimson said.
But four of Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s 16 appointees to GMU’s Board of Visitors were absent from Thursday’s meeting. Their attendance was blocked by a court order Tuesday, after Democratic state senators filed a lawsuit saying they’d rejected the four appointees.
Solon Simmons, the faculty senate president for GMU, was hopeful that the board will stand by Washington.
“If you take rash action here, if you take quick action, you could do damage that would be hard to repair,” Simmons said.
Friday’s board meetings include a closed session on a number of topics, including the performance goals of the university’s president.
GMU faculty, students and alumni were planning to pack the Board of Visitors meeting Friday to show their support for Washington, with the hope that the board will allow him to continue to lead as the federal investigations play out.
On Friday, before the board meeting ended, Washington shared a statement.
“Regardless of how one views the events unfolding at George Mason University, today’s display of unity by the Mason community is inspiring,” Washington said. “It is a reminder of how centrally important our university is to northern Virginia’s families and economy.”
“For now, the community can refocus on what really matters most: in just three weeks we will welcome the incoming class of 2025, which is once again the largest, most diverse and one of the most qualified freshman classes in the history of George Mason,” the statement continued. “Fellow Patriots, you are simply the best. Let’s get back to work.”
from Local – NBC4 Washington https://ift.tt/a7U3rR6
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