The NAACP Virginia State Conference is gravely troubled by the Trump administration’s civil rights investigation into George Mason University and the unwarranted scrutiny directed at President Gregory Washington. Following the pressure that forced the University of Virginia President James Ryan to resign, this latest witch hunt raises serious questions about who’s next on the list as political forces continue to target those who advocate for diversity and inclusion in our educational institutions.
Virginia NAACP President Rev. Cozy Bailey shared the following statement:
“This latest witch hunt against President Washington is a blatant attempt to intimidate those who champion diversity. We will not allow the progress we have achieved to be dismantled by political opportunism. Our universities must remain bastions of inclusion, not retreat from it. President Washington should not be targeted for his commitment to fostering an inclusive academic environment. The Virginia NAACP stands firmly against these politically motivated assaults that threaten the core values of equity and justice that our institutions should uphold.”
The Virginia NAACP urges all advocates for justice and equality to speak out against these actions and protect the integrity of our educational systems, ensuring they remain places of learning and growth for all.