George Mason University’s faculty senate voted this week to oppose any settlement with the Trump administration that would subject the public research university to continuing federal supervision. The resolution explicitly cited recent deals at other institutions — most notably the University of Virginia — as examples of “secret” negotiations that compromise shared governance and academic freedom. Faculty called on the board and president to reject compacts that trade federal funding access for enforced oversight. The move follows a broader White House campaign to scrutinize campus DEI practices and admissions programs; the administration has launched multiple investigations into higher-education institutions this year. The faculty action at George Mason amplifies a growing sector debate about whether universities should negotiate to end probes by accepting federal conditions or insist on defending institutional autonomy through litigation or public pushback. Key actors: George Mason faculty senate, university leadership, U.S. Departments of Education and Justice.