GMU backs president with 1.5% raise despite 4 federal investigations and political turmoil in US education

George Mason University (GMU) has approved a 1.5% pay rise for President Gregory Washington, raising his salary to $823,452.43, amid four ongoing US federal investigations into racial discrimination and DEI practices. Despite political tensions and scrutiny from the Trump administration, GMU’s Board of Visitors voted unanimously in support. Students, faculty, and alumni expressed strong backing for Washington, the university’s first Black president, citing his leadership and GMU’s academic progress, including retiring $100 million in institutional debt.