George Mason University President Gregory Washington will remain in his role as the school faces federal investigations and political infighting over its leadership and future.

At its meeting Friday, the GMU Board of Visitors unanimously approved a 1.5% salary increase for Washington following a closed-door performance review that lasted more than three hours, raising his annual pay to $823,452.

The board made its decision, GMU is facing multiple Department of Justice investigations alleging antisemitism and discrimination in admissions and hiring.

“Regardless of how one views the events unfolding at George Mason University, today’s display of unity by the Mason community is inspiring,” Washington said in a statement following the meeting. “It is a reminder of how centrally important our university is to Northern Virginia’s families and economy.”

The meeting came days after a Fairfax County Circuit Court judge ruled that people appointed by Gov. Glenn Youngkin but rejected by a Virginia Senate committee cannot serve on several colleges’ boards of visitors.

The lawsuit, filed by state Democrats, affected four GMU board members. Democratic leaders say their legal challenge pushes back against the influence of the Trump administration and state Republicans on Virginia colleges and have expressed support for GMU and Washington.

The weight of the situation was evident throughout the meeting, which was full of in-person guests as GMU officials reviewed agenda items and discussed the university’s status.

“Despite the commentary that you might hear, this institution is doing extraordinarily well,” Washington said during his annual president’s report, commending the contributions of GMU leadership, students, staff and faculty.

Board Rector Charles Stimson also noted the state of affairs, quoting Youngkin in criticizing the “petty politics” that resulted in the absence of the latest appointees. Stimson is the senior advisor to the president at The Heritage Foundation, a conservative policy institute.

Private discussions about Washington’s performance with Stimson and Vice Rector Michael Meese are planned.