George Mason University (GMU) has unanimously approved a 1.5% salary increase for its president, Gregory Washington, even as the institution faces four ongoing federal investigations. The decision was made during a closed session of the Board of Visitors and reflects state-authorised compensation measures.Washington’s updated salary will now stand at $823,452.43, aligning with the budget plan signed by Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin. The board’s vote, which came after public and internal speculation over Washington’s future at GMU, was presented as a unified stance in support of the university’s leadership.Federal probes target DEI and employment practicesGMU has come under increased scrutiny as the US Departments of Education and Justice have launched four separate investigations. Two of these focus on alleged racial discrimination in the university’s employment practices, while another questions GMU’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies. As reported by the Virginia Mercury, the investigations are part of a wider federal restructuring initiative.The US House Committee on the Judiciary is also investigating whether GMU may have violated the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and President Donald Trump’s executive order directing institutions to dismantle DEI programmes. Washington stated that the university has paused or ended 50 projects as a result of this restructuring, according to the Virginia Mercury.Board of Visitors stands by Washington amid scrutinyThe board met for over three hours behind closed doors with Washington before delivering the decision. Rector Charles Stimson stated, as quoted by the Virginia Mercury, “We’re gonna fulfil our fiduciary duty, and at George Mason University that means everybody at the university.” He added that the board would “get through this” and “move onto the next level.”Prior to the board’s vote, a group named Stand With Mason released findings from a survey of 411 registered voters in Northern Virginia, stating that 75% would be concerned about the university’s reputation if political interference resulted in Washington’s removal. Brian Drummond, former president of the GMU Alumni Association, said the results indicated public preference for a focus on education rather than politics, according to the Virginia Mercury.Public and student support for WashingtonSupporters, including students and faculty, held demonstrations outside the board meeting in support of Washington. As reported by the Virginia Mercury, PhD students Savannah Scott and Annabelle Spencer said they were concerned about potential rollbacks to initiatives led by Washington. Spencer stated the risk of surrendering policies to the federal government was “highly possible,” while Scott described Washington as “steadfast” in his support for DEI.Former rector Jimmy Hazel, who was part of the search committee that selected Washington, also told the Virginia Mercury he believed acting before investigations concluded would not be reasonable. He said, “They’re realising there is more at stake than they thought, than just removing somebody from their job.”Washington outlines GMU’s progress and challengesDuring GMU’s annual President’s Conference, Washington presented his report, “Navigating Rough Waters.” He highlighted the university’s accomplishments, including the retirement of $100 million in debt, and its “Higher Access, Higher Earnings” designation for serving Pell Grant recipients and underrepresented groups. The classification comes from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.As quoted by the Virginia Mercury, Washington stated, “We put systems in place to support you no matter where you are… That’s why students are flocking here.” He further cited challenges including cuts to research and financial aid funding, reduced visa access for international students, and economic changes affecting the workforce.Washington added, “We want the region to be successful, we care about the region and we need it to be successful if we are going to be successful,” as reported by the Virginia Mercury.TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here.
