In 2020, GMU formed the President’s Task Force on Anti-Racism and Inclusive Excellence in response to demands for stronger action following incidents of racial injustice. This task force focuses on confronting racism within the institution and…
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was a landmark piece of legislation that banned discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, or national origin in various sectors, including education. While GMU had not actively discriminated, this law pushed…
The Black Lives Matter movement brought attention to systemic racism, including on university campuses. GMU students participated in nationwide protests and organized their own events to call for justice and changes to university policies related to…
George Mason University (GMU) was founded in 1949, but its early years were marked by a predominantly white student body, with little attention paid to diversity and inclusion. The university did not actively recruit students of color, and most…
In 1991, GMU formally established the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) to address campus disparities and promote a more inclusive academic environment
GMU launched its Diversity Strategic Plan in 2003. This plan outlined specific goals for increasing diversity on campus, improving access to education for minority students, and promoting an inclusive campus culture. It served as a blueprint for the…