The Trump administration has intensified its focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs at public universities in Virginia. Just weeks after the University of Virginia’s president resigned under pressure from the Justice Department, the U.S. Education Department has opened a second civil rights investigation into George Mason University (GMU).
The probe centers on allegations that GMU used race as a factor in hiring and promoting faculty. Officials say multiple professors filed complaints, citing university efforts to make faculty demographics more closely mirror the diversity of the student body.
This marks the second inquiry into GMU within two weeks, signaling a broader effort by the Trump administration to challenge DEI initiatives in higher education. The move has sparked strong criticism from faculty, students, and civil rights advocates who view it as an attack on efforts to foster inclusive academic environments.
The Education Department has not released further details about the investigation.
