Latest news with #GMU
The Hill
4 minutes ago
- Politics
- The Hill
Trump administration widens George Mason University probes
The Trump administration announced Monday an additional probe against George Mason University (GMU), making it the fourth since President Trump took office. The Department of Justice (DOJ) said it is investigating if the university has violated Title VI by discriminating against students based on race or ethnicity during admissions or scholarship practices. 'Public educational institutions are contractually obligated to follow our nation's federal civil rights laws when receiving federal funds,' said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division. 'No one should be denied access to opportunity or resources because of their race, color, or national origin, and the United States is committed to keeping our universities free of such invidious bias.' The Hill has reached out to GMU for comment. The investigation comes on the back of a similar DOJ inquiry into whether George Mason discriminated against faculty for promotion or hiring based on race or ethnicity due to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Other investigations include inaction on antisemitism and an additional inquiry into discrimination in employment practices. 'As always, we will work in good faith to give a full and prompt response. George Mason University again affirms its commitment to comply with all federal and state mandates. The university consistently reviews its policies and practices to ensure compliance with federal laws, updated executive orders, and on-going agency directives,' a spokesperson for the university said in response to the investigation regarding DEI.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
GMU hosts first convocation, 250 get degrees
Ahmedabad: The Gujarat Maritime University (GMU) on Friday hosted its first convocation in Gandhinagar, where 250 students received their degrees. Chief minister Bhupendra Patel was the chief guest at the event. Those present included Pankaj Joshi, chief secretary and president of GMU, and Prof S Shanthakumar, provost of the university, along with senior govt officials. The graduating students included 133 boys and 117 girls. A total of 13 students were honoured with gold medals for academic and overall excellence. Among the courses, 188 were for LLM in maritime law and international trade law, and 62 for MBA in shipping and logistics. In his address, Prof Shanthakumar remembered PM Narendra Modi's vision for establishing the specialised university and said that it aligns with the Maritime India Vision 2030, which seeks to unlock the potential of India's 11,000 km coastline. You Can Also Check: Ahmedabad AQI | Weather in Ahmedabad | Bank Holidays in Ahmedabad | Public Holidays in Ahmedabad Pankaj Joshi, in his address, said that GMU has set new benchmarks through innovation, collaboration, and excellence. He said the first convocation not only celebrates academic success but also presents a new generation ready to lead the maritime sector, shaping India's future on the global stage. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like This Could Be the Best Time to Trade Gold in 5 Years IC Markets Learn More Undo The event also launched India's first Maritime VR Centre of Excellence with APM Terminals Pipavav Port and Maersk Training. University officials said that the university achieved near-total placements with leading global brands for the students.
Malaysia Sun
4 days ago
- Business
- Malaysia Sun
"India emerging as a leading global supplier of talent in maritime sector": Bhupendra Patel
Gandhinagar(Gujarat) [India], July 19 (ANI): Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel urged the youth who are embarking on careers in the maritime sector to remain committed to national interest and to the preservation and promotion of India's maritime heritage. Speaking at the first graduation ceremony of Gujarat Maritime University, the Chief Minister stated that the maritime sector today offers immense opportunities and that India is rapidly emerging as a leading global supplier of talent for this industry, as stated in the release. He further added that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, global expectations from India have risen significantly, and it is now the responsibility of the young professionals entering the maritime field to lead the sector to new heights. Prime Minister Narendra Modi envisioned Gujarat as a hub for port-led development and established Gujarat Maritime University to promote the state's port and maritime heritage through modern knowledge and skills, to create a world-class trained workforce in this sector. At the first convocation of the university, degrees were conferred upon 188 students from the LLM programme and 62 from the MBA programme. In recognition of academic excellence, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel awarded Gold Medals to 13 students, including 8 female students, the release added. He highlighted Gujarat's ancient maritime heritage, including the 4,000-year-old Lothal port, and noted the development of the National Maritime Heritage Complex under PM Modi's 'Virasat bhi, Vikas bhi' vision. He said that initiatives like PM Gati Shakti, Sagarmala, and the Blue Economy Mission are driving India's maritime growth. He encouraged graduates to become key contributors to Viksit Bharat@2047 and wished them a bright future. Over the past 11 years of the Prime Minister's leadership, India has revived its maritime economy through initiatives like PM Gati Shakti, Sagarmala, and the Blue Economy Mission. The Chief Minister urged graduates to become global ambassadors of this progress and contribute to Viksit Bharat@2047, while extending his best wishes for their future. In his welcome address, Gujarat Chief Secretary and President of Gujarat Maritime University, Pankaj Joshi, stated that GMU has set new benchmarks through innovation, collaboration, and excellence. He said the first convocation not only celebrates academic success but also presents a new generation ready to lead the maritime sector, shaping India's future on the global stage. He highlighted GMU's significant international collaborations with renowned organisations such as the United Nations Environment Programme, International Group of P&I Clubs, ISWAN, and IUCN. He also noted the university's successful hosting of major conferences, signing of over 20 MoUs, and availability of robust training platforms across the state. He shared that over 100 research papers by GMU's students and faculty have been published in reputed journals. He also announced that GMU has been honoured as 'Maritime Capacity Building Champion in India' by the Star Awards 2024. In-charge Dean of Gujarat Maritime University, Professor Dr. S. Shanthakumar, delivered the welcome address and presented the university's annual report. In-charge Registrar Dr. Chirag Patel extended a vote of thanks. (ANI)
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Business Standard
4 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
India a leading global supplier of talent in maritime sector: Gujarat CM
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel urged the youth who are embarking on careers in the maritime sector to remain committed to national interest and to the preservation and promotion of India's maritime heritage. Speaking at the first graduation ceremony of Gujarat Maritime University, the Chief Minister stated that the maritime sector today offers immense opportunities and that India is rapidly emerging as a leading global supplier of talent for this industry, as stated in the release. He further added that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, global expectations from India have risen significantly, and it is now the responsibility of the young professionals entering the maritime field to lead the sector to new heights. Prime Minister Narendra Modi envisioned Gujarat as a hub for port-led development and established Gujarat Maritime University to promote the state's port and maritime heritage through modern knowledge and skills, to create a world-class trained workforce in this sector. At the first convocation of the university, degrees were conferred upon 188 students from the LLM programme and 62 from the MBA programme. In recognition of academic excellence, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel awarded Gold Medals to 13 students, including 8 female students, the release added. He highlighted Gujarat's ancient maritime heritage, including the 4,000-year-old Lothal port, and noted the development of the National Maritime Heritage Complex under PM Modi's "Virasat bhi, Vikas bhi" vision. He said that initiatives like PM Gati Shakti, Sagarmala, and the Blue Economy Mission are driving India's maritime growth. He encouraged graduates to become key contributors to Viksit Bharat@2047 and wished them a bright future. Over the past 11 years of the Prime Minister's leadership, India has revived its maritime economy through initiatives like PM Gati Shakti, Sagarmala, and the Blue Economy Mission. The Chief Minister urged graduates to become global ambassadors of this progress and contribute to Viksit Bharat@2047, while extending his best wishes for their future. In his welcome address, Gujarat Chief Secretary and President of Gujarat Maritime University, Pankaj Joshi, stated that GMU has set new benchmarks through innovation, collaboration, and excellence. He said the first convocation not only celebrates academic success but also presents a new generation ready to lead the maritime sector, shaping India's future on the global stage. He highlighted GMU's significant international collaborations with renowned organisations such as the United Nations Environment Programme, International Group of P & I Clubs, ISWAN, and IUCN. He also noted the university's successful hosting of major conferences, signing of over 20 MoUs, and availability of robust training platforms across the state. He shared that over 100 research papers by GMU's students and faculty have been published in reputed journals. He also announced that GMU has been honoured as "Maritime Capacity Building Champion in India" by the Star Awards 2024. In-charge Dean of Gujarat Maritime University, Professor Dr. S. Shanthakumar, delivered the welcome address and presented the university's annual report. In-charge Registrar Dr. Chirag Patel extended a vote of thanks.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
George Mason University's diversity efforts are now facing a major federal challenge: Here's why
George Mason University (GMU), one of Virginia's most diverse public institutions, is currently under investigation by the US Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights (OCR) for its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The federal civil rights probe was launched over allegations that GMU's hiring and promotion practices unlawfully favour faculty from underrepresented groups, potentially violating Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. According to the OCR, the investigation stems from complaints filed by several professors who claim GMU engaged in "illegal racial preferencing" under its DEI initiatives. Title VI prohibits discrimination based on race, colour, or national origin in any programme receiving federal funding. OCR officials assert that the university's DEI policies amount to "pernicious and widespread discrimination," as reported by WTOP New s. Allegations focus on hiring and promotion policies The OCR cited various internal policies implemented at GMU since 2020. Among these are the appointment of Equity Advisors in each department who reportedly consider immutable characteristics such as race in hiring decisions. Additionally, GMU President Gregory Washington had expressed support for recognising "the invisible and uncredited emotional labour" of faculty of colour in tenure and promotion criteria, as quoted by WTOP News. Another point of concern raised by OCR is the university's diversity cluster hire initiatives, designed to close demographic gaps between the student body and faculty. The OCR claims these practices demonstrate that GMU "not only allow[s] but champion[s] illegal racial preferencing," according to a statement from Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Craig Trainor, as reported by WTOP News. University denies wrongdoing and rebrands DEI office In response to the investigation, President Washington stated in a university-wide email that GMU has "always complied" with civil rights laws and announced the renaming of the DEI office to the Office of Access, Compliance, and Community. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Washington described the change as "a more specific and intuitively accurate reflection of its charter," and clarified it was not an attempt to avoid scrutiny, according to WTOP News. GMU issued an official statement saying it received the OCR's letter at the same time as news organisations. The university reaffirmed its compliance with all federal and state laws and stated it regularly reviews its policies to ensure alignment with legal standards. Student and faculty demographics under review More than 50% of GMU's students identify as people of colour, yet over 65% of its faculty are white, according to internal university reports. This disparity has been central to the DEI measures now under federal scrutiny. Probe follows separate antisemitism investigation This is not the first time GMU has faced a Title VI investigation. Earlier this year, the OCR launched a separate inquiry into allegations that the university failed to respond appropriately to antisemitic incidents on campus following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict in October 2023. The university has denied those claims, and President Washington stated that "antisemitism has no place at George Mason University, and never has," as reported by WTOP News. Investigation aligns with broader political context The GMU investigation comes amid a nationwide rollback of DEI programmes in higher education, with the current US administration under President Donald Trump taking an active stance against such initiatives. In Virginia, Governor Glenn Youngkin has prioritised restructuring university governance and cutting DEI spending. The case at GMU parallels a similar situation at the University of Virginia, where President Jim Ryan resigned following a Title VI complaint and political pressure. Analysts suggest that Virginia's upcoming elections, particularly for the office of Attorney General, may influence how such investigations unfold. Support and resistance from public figures and alumni Virginia's former Governor Doug Wilder, the first Black governor in US history and a GMU supporter, criticised the scrutiny facing GMU's leadership. He referenced his own experience attending segregated schools and questioned how George Mason, the university's namesake, would view the situation today, according to WTOP News . Three Democratic state senators who are GMU alumni—Jeremy McPike, Stella Pekarsky, and Saddam Azlan Salim—issued a joint statement of support for President Washington. They highlighted the university's academic progress between 2020 and 2025, referencing its jump from 45 to 30 in Wall Street Journal public university rankings, and from 72 to 51 in US News rankings, as noted by WTOP News . They concluded: "To claim that anti-racism is racially discriminatory makes a mockery of the laws the Department claims to be enforcing," as reported by WTOP News . TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us .
