George Mason University’s faculty senate passed a resolution urging university leaders to refuse any settlement with the Trump administration that would compromise institutional autonomy or impose continuing federal supervision. The action responds to a wave of federal investigations into the university’s diversity, equity and inclusion practices and follows other campuses’ secretive compacts with the DOJ and Education Department. Faculty demanded transparent deliberation and meaningful consultation consistent with shared‑governance norms, warning that deals seen at peer institutions chilled academic freedom and constrained debate. University trustees and administrators now face mounting pressure to balance federal funding access with faculty governance and academic independence.