McClellan Statement on Trump Administration Investigations into George Mason University

Washington, D.C. –Today, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) issued the following statement after the Department of Justice and Department of Education launched investigations into George Mason University for allegations of racial discrimination and antisemitism:

“Less than a month after demanding the removal of former University of Virginia President James Ryan, the Trump Administration now sets its sights on George Mason University, the largest public research higher education institution in Virginia.

“These investigations hijack existing civil rights laws to advance this Administration’s extreme agenda to undermine local governance of educational institutions, reshape them in its ideological image, and undo the progress made to open educational opportunities to more people. The Trump Administration has already sought to defund and dismantle the Department of Education entirely, a move that undermines the Department’s core mission to ensure every student, regardless of background, receives a safe and quality learning environment and education.

“These attacks don’t just distract and drain resources that could be used for cases of genuine civil rights violations, but take a deeply concerning step towards stripping away the independence and academic freedom entitled to our higher education institutions. I fear for the future of Virginia’s education system.”

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