In a memo sent July 8 to tenure system faculty, deans, school directors and chairpersons, Interim Provost Thomas Jeitschko said that units have been directed to discontinue the use of "Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) statements or questions in hiring, evaluation, reappointment, promotion, tenure or related employment processes."

The probe is based on a complaint by George Mason University professors who allege that personnel decisions underrepresented groups.