I stand
with mason

Virginia Business and Civic Leaders Join Broad Coalition in Support of George Mason University and President Gregory Washington

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(FAIRFAX, VA – July 25, 2025) A powerful wave of support is building for George Mason University and President Gregory Washington as business leaders, civic groups, alumni, lawmakers, and faculty speak out against what they view as politically motivated attacks on the university’s leadership and values. Since the launch of StandWithMason.com just two days ago, hundreds of Virginians have signed on to publicly affirm their support and stand with the university.

At the center of the response are Northern Virginia’s leading business and civic organizations, which are calling on Mason’s Board of Visitors to reject political interference and reaffirm its commitment to academic excellence and strategic growth.

Key organizational supporters include:

  • Northern Virginia Technology Council (NVTC), Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce, Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce, and Prince William Chamber of Commerce: These four major business organizations jointly called on the Board to support President Washington’s vision, citing Mason’s critical role in regional talent development, innovation, and its $3.5 billion annual economic impact.
  • The 123 Club of Northern Virginia: A prominent network of civic and business leaders who expressed “strong support” for the strategic direction of Mason and emphasized the broad support President Washington enjoys across the business community.
  • GMU Alumni Leaders: Current and past leaders of the GMU Alumni Association described President Washington’s impact as “transformative,” highlighting his success in boosting research, enrollment, and national rankings.
    Virginia AAUP (VA‑AAUP): The statewide faculty advocacy group denounced the investigations as “politically motivated” and praised President Washington for strengthening the university’s academic profile.

Widespread Legislative and Faculty Backing

  • U.S. Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine: In a joint column, the senators condemned political pressure targeting public universities and explicitly voiced support for George Mason University.
  • Virginia State Senator Jennifer Boysko: Lauded President Washington for elevating Mason’s national stature and delivering measurable institutional successes.
  • Jewish Virginia Lawmakers (Senators Ebbin, Surovell; Delegates Cohen, Helmer, Lopez, Simon, and Tran): Issued a joint statement defending Washington’s leadership, stating, “As legislators who are Jewish and members of Jewish families, we join with all Virginians to safeguard this principle… George Mason, in truth, is an exemplar of respect, acceptance, and safety for all faiths and diverse beliefs.”
  • GMU Faculty Op‑Ed: Professors James Finkelstein, Bethany Letiecq, and Tim Gibson urged the Board to stay the course and safeguard Mason’s forward trajectory under Washington’s leadership.

To view more statements of support and a growing list of hundreds of individuals, visit www.StandWithMason.com.

Media Contact:
Max Fose – 202-285-8885
info@standwithmason.com

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