University of George Mason undergoes second probe due to accusations of bias and anti-Semitism.
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has initiated a Title VI investigation into George Mason University (GMU) over allegations of racial discrimination in admissions, scholarships, and student benefits, as well as the university’s response to antisemitism on campus [3][4].
The investigation, led by the DOJ’s civil rights division and Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon, focuses on GMU’s admissions and scholarship practices, scrutinizing whether these may violate anti-discrimination laws [1][3]. It also examines GMU’s response to antisemitism, suggesting concern over whether the university adequately addressed issues related to antisemitic incidents or climate on campus [3][4].
The investigation comes after an earlier DOJ probe into the university’s employment practices under Title VII, which addresses workplace discrimination [1][3]. In response, GMU’s Board of Visitors has engaged outside legal counsel (Torridon Law) to communicate with the DOJ and comply fully with its requests [2][3].
GMU maintains confidence that it does not engage in illegal discriminatory practices related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), stating that some complaints may stem from outdated or misunderstood information, such as earlier digital posts on diversity efforts [2].
The investigation does not explicitly mention other forms of discrimination beyond race, color, national origin, and antisemitism. However, there are related investigations by the U.S. Department of Education, and a separate but overlapping inquiry into GMU’s employment and hiring practices [2][3].
The exact response deadlines for requested documents and responses from GMU to the DOJ have not been publicly disclosed. However, GMU has committed to responding fully and promptly to the government’s requests [1][3].
The investigation is in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin at institutions receiving federal funding. Schools receiving federal funding cannot discriminate based on protected traits. The DOJ investigation will also focus on potential antisemitic incidents on campus and benefits provided to students by GMU.
In summary, the DOJ investigation into GMU focuses on allegations of racial discrimination in admissions, scholarships, and student benefits, as well as the university’s response to antisemitism on campus. The investigation is ongoing as of late July 2025 [1][3][4].
| Investigation Focus | Details | Authority & Status | |------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------| | Admissions and Scholarships | Alleged racial discrimination, Title VI probe | DOJ civil rights division active | | Response to Antisemitism | Review of campus efforts to handle antisemitism | Included in DOJ investigation | | Employment Practices | Hiring and promotion practices under Title VII | Previously announced DOJ probe | | Response Deadlines | Not publicly specified; GMU committed to prompt response | Handled via legal counsel |
- Despite the ongoing investigation focused on allegations of racial discrimination in admissions, scholarships, and student benefits, as well as GMU's response to antisemitism on campus, it's worth noting that the university remains actively engaged in broader aspects of education-and-self-development, such as diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives [2].
- The ongoing DOJ investigation into George Mason University also brings attention to the intersection of politics and general-news, as the investigation highlights concerns about the university's adherence to anti-discrimination laws, particularly with regards to race, color, national origin, and antisemitism [1][3][4].
