Introduction to GMU’s Diversity and Inclusion Policies

Overview of GMU’s History of Diversity Efforts

  • Founding and Early Diversity (1949-1980s): George Mason University, founded in 1949, started as a small institution in Northern Virginia. In its early years, GMU had a predominantly white student body with limited programs for minorities. During this time, the university did not actively recruit students from racial or ethnic minorities. While GMU followed federal mandates like the Civil Rights Act of 1964, it wasn’t until the 1980s that the institution began taking more noticeable steps toward improving diversity.

  • Shifting National and Regional Climate (1980s-1990s): As the Civil Rights Movement gained traction across the U.S., GMU, like many other universities, started re-evaluating its policies toward racial and ethnic inclusion. The 1980s saw the first steps toward policy change, with increased awareness of racial disparities in education. Still, it wasn’t until the 1990s, during a period of social activism and change, that GMU fully embraced the need for institutional reform. GMU officially began incorporating diversity into its core mission, acknowledging the importance of reflecting the community's diversity in its student body and faculty.

  • Institutional Changes and New Focus on Diversity (1990s): In 1991, GMU established its Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). This office marked a critical turning point in GMU's approach to diversity, setting institutional goals for expanding representation and creating an inclusive environment. Along with the DEI office, GMU began to offer scholarships and support programs to assist underrepresented groups, ensuring they had access to higher education opportunities at the university.

Theoretical Framework

  • Critical Race Theory (CRT): This theory, which emerged in the 1970s and 1980s, highlights how race and racism are ingrained in social structures. Applying CRT to GMU’s diversity policies allows us to explore how institutional and systemic racism has shaped university practices and how the university’s DEI initiatives aim to dismantle these barriers. The theory also emphasizes the importance of centering the voices and experiences of people of color in educational spaces.

  • Social Justice Theory: Social Justice Theory focuses on creating fair and equal access to opportunities, particularly for marginalized groups. At GMU, this framework helped shape policies that not only provide access to education but also create an environment where students and faculty from all backgrounds can thrive.

Introduction to GMU’s Diversity and Inclusion Policies