Sam Douglas/Fourth Estate
Statements Released as Academic Programs, Diversity, and University Community Committee to Vote on Resolution
BY SAM DOUGLAS, ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR
On April 17, the Academic Programs, Diversity, and University Community Committee is set to vote on the “RESOLUTION OF GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY REGARDING THE PRESIDENTIAL EXECUTIVE ORDER ON DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION.”
The resolution aims to push for university compliance with the “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity” executive order, as well as the Department of Education’s “Dear Colleague Letter” and “Frequently Asked Questions” documents.
If the resolution passes, it would direct the recently renamed Office of Access, Compliance, and Community to eliminate all programs not required by federal or state law and eliminate the university’s Bias Incident Response Team and Access to Research and Inclusive Excellence Program.
The GMU chapter of American Association of University Professor’s (AAUP) released a statement Thursday morning in opposition to the resolution.
“The faculty group argues that the proposed resolution would jeopardize the university’s academic excellence, damage its national reputation, and send a chilling message to faculty and students of color and all who commit to equity work,” the statement read.
“They are steamrolling over us and they are implementing a vision for the institution that I do not think the majority of members of our community are asking for, wanting for, or hoping for,” said Dr. Bethany Letiecq, president of Mason’s chapter of AAUP.
In a statement, Student Body President Maria Romero Cuesta also opposed the resolution.
“The threat of a resolution like this cannot be minimized, but we must remember that George Mason students are one of resilience,” Cuesta said in the statement.
Weeks ago, on April 4, Mason Student Government participated in a “Hands Off Our Schools” rally at the Department of Education. On March 20, Student Body President Cuesta joined with student body presidents from Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia State University, Norfolk State University, and Longwood University, releasing a statement urging state legislators to “challenge any federal enforcement of the ‘Dear Colleague’ letter that may arise.”
The resolution is the university’s latest response to pressure from the federal government. On March 3, the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion was renamed to the Office of Access, Compliance, and Community. Later in the month, Mason was named by the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights as one of 60 schools under investigation for complaints of anti-semitic harassment and discrimination.
The Board of Visitors Academic Programs, Diversity, and University Community Committee will vote on the resolution during their April 17 meeting. If passed, it will be voted on by the full board at their May 1 meeting.
Fourth Estate has reached out to Mason administration for comment.
