Education Department reviews alleged use of race-based employment policies under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) announced an investigation into George Mason University (GMU) over allegations that its hiring and promotion policies may violate Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The inquiry stems from complaints filed by several GMU professors who claim the university used race and other characteristics to guide employment decisions from 2020 to the present under its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) framework. These practices allegedly created a racially hostile environment and could constitute unlawful discrimination under federal civil rights law.
According to OCR, the university’s reported initiatives include incorporating “Equity Advisors” into hiring committees, promoting diversity-focused hiring metrics, and encouraging race-conscious decision-making once candidates meet base qualifications.
“Despite the leadership of George Mason University claiming that it does not discriminate on the basis of race, it appears that its hiring and promotion policies and practices from 2020 to the present, implemented under the guise of so-called ‘Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion,’ not only allow but champion illegal racial preferencing in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964,” said Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Craig Trainor.
GMU maintains it has complied with all civil rights laws.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Secretary McMahon to seek God’s wisdom as she oversees the Department of Education.
- For Acting Assistant Secretary Trainor to be led by the Lord as he heads the Office of Civil Rights.
- For the administrators of universities to adhere to federal civil rights laws in student enrollment and staff hiring.
Sources: Department of Education
