Mike Pence Joins George Mason University as Professor
Former Vice President Mike Pence has been appointed as a professor of practice at George Mason University’s Schar School of Policy and Government, as announced by the university on Tuesday.
Pence is set to teach undergraduate courses and public seminars beginning in the spring semester. He will also engage with students through an informal discussion and mentoring program aimed at those studying political science, law, administration, and similar fields.
In a statement, Pence expressed his honor in joining the George Mason community.
“In my years of public service, I’ve witnessed the significance of principled leadership and commitment to the Constitution in shaping our nation’s future,” Pence remarked. “We’re eager to share these experiences with the next generation of American leaders and learn from the exceptional students and faculty here.”
At 66, Pence served as vice president throughout President Trump’s first term, though their relationship deteriorated towards the end.
On January 6, 2021, during a joint session of Congress, Pence publicly acknowledged former President Biden’s victory in the 2020 election, despite objections from Trump and opposition from some of Trump’s supporters who stormed the Capitol, even chanting at Pence.
Pence sought the Republican presidential nomination for 2024 but withdrew several months before the key voting period began in October 2023, citing concerns that Trump’s attempts to challenge the 2020 election results made him unfit for office.
Recently, the Education Bureau indicated that George Mason University may have violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act by considering race and other immutable characteristics in its employment practices. This has made the university one of several under scrutiny since Trump took office, particularly regarding “DEI” initiatives in public institutions.
To address the reported violations, the Department of Education is requiring institutions to review their hiring policies, conduct annual training for staff involved in hiring and promotions, and allow federal access to their compliance records.
If these actions are not taken, George Mason risks losing federal research funding. The university’s Executive Summary for the 2023-24 fiscal year indicates it received $182.3 million in direct federal research funding in 2023.
