Latest Fourth Estate Articles

Layered’s Raspberry Dessert is displayed at the cafe on April 2, in Fairfax, Va. (Libby Bondi / Fourth Estate)

BY LIBBY BONDI, STAFF WRITER

Tucked beside the Fairfax City Regional Library, Layered feels less like a quick coffee stop and more like a curated experience. With its glossy, fruit-shaped desserts and crafted drinks, the cafe has quickly become one of downtown Fairfax’s hottest destinations.

The cafe was established in July of last year, slowly making a name for itself through social media. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., it caters to both early-morning coffee runs and late-night dessert cravings, making it an easy go-to for students and city residents alike. 

Owned by Wooseok Choi, who also co-owns Chateau de Chantilly cafe, the location brings a level of artistry to its menu that reflects the expertise of its Michelin-trained chef and culinary style. 

Layered’s Chocovick Dessert sits on a table at the cafe on April 2, in Fairfax, Va. (Libby Bondi / Fourth Estate)

The menu itself is where the cafe truly shines. Every pastry, dessert and sandwich is carefully designed, and it shows. 

Their signature items include their fruit-shaped cakes, made to resemble mangos, raspberries and strawberries. 

For the chocolate lovers, the “Chocovick” dessert is a must-try. The chocolate covered dome houses a delicious creamy chocolate mousse alongside a layer of dark chocolate cake. Topped with a swirl of cream and an intricate ring of chocolate, the dessert feels as much like a piece of art as it does something to eat.

For those who prefer something less sweet, the menu also has savory options, including a flaky and fresh spinach breakfast pastry.

Layered’s Strawberry Shortcake Matcha is served with sweet layers and a graham cracker topping on April 2 in Fairfax, Va. (Libby Bondi / Fourth Estate)

Layered’s specialty drink menu is just as indulgent as its desserts. The strawberry shortcake iced matcha latte, complete with strawberry puree and a graham cracker topping, is both delicious and Instagram-worthy. Whether celebrating a special occasion or settling in for a study session, Layered makes it easy to find something both appealing for the eyes and stomach.

Most desserts range from around $9 to $13 and specialty drinks from around $5 to $7, putting Layered on the pricier side of coffee culture. However, for many customers the presentation and quality make it worth the occasional splurge.

What sets Layered apart is its commitment to both quality and accessibility. According to FFXnow, the cafe originally operated on a timed “drop schedule” for its pastries to maintain quality. Since then, it has shifted to a more frequent restock model, ensuring popular items remain fresh and available throughout the day.

Various desserts are displayed at Layered cafe on April 2 in Fairfax, Va. (Libby Bondi / Fourth Estate)

In a quote to Northern Virginia Magazine, co-owner Choi expressed the hope that Layered would become Fairfax City’s “go-to spot for great coffee and desserts.” Based on its growing popularity and opulent atmosphere, it’s safe to say the cafe has already begun to fulfill that vision. 

For college students especially, it’s more than just a cafe; it’s a cool place to recharge and enjoy something a little out of the ordinary in the middle of a busy routine.

Mike Pence speaks at the Schar School of Policy and Government’s Constitution Day event on Sept. 17, 2025. (Rithvik Hari / Fourth Estate)

BY SAM DOUGLAS, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AND RITHVIK HARI, ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR

Former Vice President Mike Pence announced Sept. 16, 2025, in front of a crowd at Mason Square that he would join George Mason University as a professor beginning in the Spring 2026 semester.

Named a distinguished professor of practice by the university, Pence co-teaches “The Character of the American Constitution” at Mason’s Arlington campus alongside Gregory Jacob, who served as Pence’s legal counsel during his time as vice president. 

The course was offered as a 300-level undergraduate course in government while simultaneously being offered as a 500-level graduate course in policy and government, with 150 students enrolled across both sections. 

Beyond lectures, Pence and Jacob hold “fireside chats” during class, offering an opportunity for  open discussion fielding questions from students about Pence’s experiences in office and his former running mate.

“One of the most impactful parts of the GOV319 class has been the fireside chats,” Skylar Ringo, a sophomore majoring in Government and International Politics, said. “I appreciate how Professor Jacob and Professor Pence take time to allow for questions from their students to ask about huge historical moments and how that’s impacted their time as public servants of the American people.”

Pence, who served as 48th vice president of the United States from 2017 to 2021 with President Donald Trump, previously represented Indiana’s 2nd congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2001 to 2013 and served as Indiana’s governor from 2013 to 2017. His academic position at George Mason marks his most prominent public role since leaving the White House. 

Jacob played a central role in advising the former vice president during the constitutional debates surrounding the 2020 presidential election certification, bringing firsthand legal expertise to the classroom. His experience advising Pence on the limits and scope of the vice president’s power under the 12th Amendment has become a key reference point in constitutional law discussions. Jacob also brings decades of legal and government experience to the classroom. 

“If you’re even remotely curious about why our institutions are the way they are, why America is the way it is, or even if you’re not, I recommend it.” Zach Lincoln, a senior Public Policy major enrolled in the 300-level class said.

The course begins with a deep dive into the drafting of the Constitution, guiding students through primary documents written by the nation’s founders and examining why certain phrases and provisions were included or excluded from the final text. Pence and Jacob then walk students through each branch of government and the constitutional framework that governs each. 

As the semester progressed, the course covered landmark legal and political confrontations that have set new precedents. Later weeks examined the use of emergency presidential power, congressional oversight and the ongoing tension between originalism and living constitutionalism, and how Pence and Jacob navigated the final days of the first Trump administration. 

The course taught by two figures who sat at the center of one of the most consequential moments in recent American political history, “The Character of the American Constitution” gave students a rare opportunity to examine the nation’s founding document through the eyes of those who swore an oath to defend it.

“Moments like these do not come often to most, so I am so grateful that it’s offered through the George Mason Arlington campus,” Ringo said.

Pence joins a long line of distinguished visiting professors to teach at the university. Others include Michael Hayden, the former director of the CIA who has taught at the university since 2009 and created the Michael V. Hayden Center for Intelligence, Policy, and International Security at the university’s Arlington campus. Several Supreme Court justices have also been visiting professors at the school’s Antonin Scalia Law School, including Clarence Thomas, Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh.

Former Governor Terry McAuliffe also teaches at Mason’s Schar School of Policy and Government.

The Patriots celebrate their 25-14 win to close out the weekend series against Harvard. The kill came from outside hitter senior Hayden Karpinski (#18). (Christian Segovia / Fourth Estate)

BY CHRISTIAN SEGOVIA, ALUMNI CONTRIBUTOR AND PETER MAHLER, ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

George Mason men’s volleyball (20-7, 8-2 in-conference) has completely transformed their season. The Patriots, now ranked second in the Eastern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association behind Penn State, have won 14 of their last 15 matches, including an undefeated home record since Jan. 31.

The season didn’t begin so positively. In a tight season opener against Catawba, Mason opened the game-deciding fifth set up 7-1. After Mason’s best player, senior outside hitter Liam French, tore his ACL, Head Coach Jay Hosack said that it shook his players.

“It’s the first match of the year,” Hosack said. “Guys have some jitters, are not in rhythm and our best player went down with an injury in the middle of the fifth game. I’m feeling we’re gonna win it. It’s not gonna be an issue. And my guys got flustered. You know, they’re concerned about their teammate.” 

The Patriots went on to lose the set in a 15-12 heartbreaker, losing the match in five sets.

Making matters worse, Mason then had to face Ohio State and Long Beach State — both top 20 teams in the country — and was swept in both matches. An 0-3 start was not what Hosack envisioned, but he used adversity as a tool for the future.

“I like to schedule hard in the beginning, because I like to see: where are our deficiencies? What do we need to work on? What are we good at? What are we not good at? And how do we maximize and minimize depending on what [we’re] looking at?” he said.

French’s injury left Mason without a starting outside hitter, opening the door for sophomore Aidan Weltin to take his spot. Although he played sparingly as a freshman, Weltin has performed well above expectations. He leads the Patriots in kills (327), aces (33), digs (141) and has impressed Hosack.

“He had never played that position before, so for a guy to be leading the conference in the national stats for attempts [and kills] per match — in his first year of actually playing the position — I’ll take it,” he said. 

Senior setter Georgi Zahariev, who leads the team in assists with 873, has been a key lob artist for Weltin’s attacks. 

“This is his fourth year —  his first year starting and running the show,” Hosack said.  

With limited starting experience, Zahariev has had a stellar career. He earned AVCA National Collegiate Men’s Player of the Week and EIVA Offensive Player of the Week honors after a dominant two-match stretch against New Jersey Institute of Technology — ranked #19 nationally at the time — and Dominican University New York. He recorded 91 assists, 13 per set, while hitting over 57% of his attacks. 

Weltin, Zahariev, sophomore middle blocker Alexander Lillie and junior opposite hitter Jackson Herbert have each been recognized by the EIVA as Players of the Week throughout the season, a testament to the talent that Mason has at their disposal.

Hosack believes his liberos, sophomore Stef Kins and junior Robby Nardoni, don’t get enough credit for the team’s success. 

“Robby is very vocal, very quick on his feet [and] knows how to command presence when he’s on the court [directing] traffic,” Hosack said. “Stef Kins is really low key, mellow, confident, focused and is very good at [setting]. That’s what you need your libero on the court to be able to do, because they’re going to see a fair amount of balls.”

Anchoring the front line, 6-foot-8-inch sophomore Alexander Lillie is fifth in the conference with 86 blocks. With all of these productive players, many of them underclassmen or first-time starters, Mason has positioned themselves as a genuine threat in their conference.

The Patriots lead the EIVA in points, averaging 16.08 per set. They’re also first in assists with 11.56 per set, first in kills with 12.71 per set and first in hitting percentage at .279. 

On the defensive side, the Patriots are sixth in blocks with 2.07 per set and first in digs of 9.34 per set. Not only is Mason effective on the attack, but they’ve become increasingly hard to score on, too. They currently allow the second-lowest hitting percentage at 2.33.

Since the rough start, Mason has found their footing with five of their last eight wins ending in sweeps. Hosack points to timing as a stabilizing force for the team’s chemistry. 

“It’s just a matter of going out and executing when the lights are on; I think [it] takes time to build that kind of confidence and trust,” he said.

After a double-sweep series against Princeton, two wins against Penn State in the coming week would give Mason the chance to cap off their season with a potential top-seed in the EIVA. It would also guarantee that the tournament takes place at the Recreation Athletic Complex, where they’ve found much success.

An empty and open wallet reflects the aftermath of eating on campus. (Evan Parfitt / Fourth Estate)

BY EVAN PARFITT, COPY EDITOR

Tired of the monotonous dining hall menu options? Want a cheap fix to settle your rumbling tummy? Mason Dining has much to offer, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find any affordable choices. 

There are a plethora of locations besides the dining halls to choose from on-campus, ranging from popular fast-food chains to Mason originals.

It is hard to deny the convenience of the Johnson Center’s food court. With nine out of Mason’s 19 retail dining locations calling the Johnson Center home, the ease of grabbing a meal on-the-go in the heart of campus will run the typical consumer about $12.50 per meal, before tax and excluding Mason’s own currency.  

If you’re looking to grab a bite elsewhere, your options will be severely limited. A Chick-fil-A nests in the basement of SUB I, and a cluster of three restaurants reside in Merten Hall — Panda Express, Manhattan Pizza and Einstein Bros. Bagels — an 8-minute walk from the Johnson Center. For those running on a tight schedule, this is out of the way from most academic buildings.

Another major drawback keeping these establishments from being more enjoyable is the lack of access to their respective mobile order apps. 

Commonplace since the pandemic, mobile apps allow consumers to earn rewards, get app-exclusive deals and skip the tedium of waiting in line by ordering ahead. However, only five locations allow for students to utilize their app on campus — two of which are Starbucks. 

For dining options that don’t feature their apps, the available alternative is Mason’s knights in shining armor themselves: Starship robots. 

Even though the traversable robots roaming around campus are adorable, their effectiveness at doing their job is debatable. Often delivering the wrong order, jostling one’s drink around or charging staggering amounts of money, Starship’s risks outweigh its rewards.   

That isn’t to exclude slightly off-campus sites either, since meals at the Wendy’s in the University Mall at the intersection of Braddock Road and Ox Road cost significantly less than anything available on campus.

Following the abrupt closure of Banditos Tacos announced via Instagram earlier this semester, the utility of the already derelict University Mall has narrowed. Banditos was a Mason staple, hosting events for the student body and providing a discount to those dining in. 

This is not the only closure the mall has seen; McDonald’s closed their doors prior to the fall 2025 semester with similarly little notice.

Other nearby options are exorbitantly pricier. A “handheld” at Oh George! starting from $18.50 is out of reach for most Mason students, especially those running tight on cash. Velocity Bar & Kitchen’s signature wings are priced at a whopping $15 for six traditional wings. 

Though these places are not meant to cater to every person and price range, their close proximity to campus puts them in a unique position to fill the void left by their extinct compatriots.

As for opportunities in Old Town Fairfax to get a good meal, several eateries lie within the price range of $10 to $30. From trendy pastries at Layered. to Irish pub food from The Auld Shebeen, its versatility is unmatched. Yet, with this diversity comes the cost of paying Northern Virginia prices.

Even worse, the corresponding student deals for various restaurants in and around Fairfax are rarely advertised by Mason. In one of my own recent outings, I spent nearly $25 on dinner with a friend, not knowing I could’ve gotten a 10% discount. Albeit not a huge reduction, every penny counts for most college students.   

These “Patriot Perks” apply to more than simple dining discounts, as they are applicable to services such as rental cars, travel and even legal aid. Why not promote a service to students that would help stretch their dollar and ease the financial burden of balancing tuition and a decent outing?

In observing the various options both on and around campus, this forever fuels the debate of whether quantity of choices directly translates to quality of food. My verdict? Next time you want to grab a bite, consider whether or not you want this culinary vampire to suck your bank account dry. Sometimes it’s better to just sacrifice a meal swipe, even at the cost of your taste buds. 

EDITOR’S NOTE: Fixed a grammatical mistake. (Sunday, April 19, 2:25 P.M.)

From left, Mason School of Theater students Rachael McNutt (Laurie), Jalen Whitmore (Nya) and Myles Earley (Dun) perform a scene in “Pipeline” at the Harris Theater in Fairfax, Va. on March 24. The scene captures Nya confronting the obstacles of her professional and personal life. (DJ Corey Photography)

BY TIMA SAASAA, STAFF WRITER

Under the direction of guest artist and Anti-Racist Theatre founder Nicole Brewer, George Mason School of Theater’s “Pipeline” captured the emotional intensity of Dominique Morisseau’s work through powerful performances and deliberate technical design. 

The production marked the first play by a Black female playwright at Mason since Suzan-Lori Parks’ “Venus” in the 2003-04 season, adding an important layer of representation to the staging of Morisseau’s story. 

“Pipeline” follows Nya, a dedicated public high school teacher, as she navigates the demands of her classroom and the strain in her relationship with her son, Omari, who faces the pressures of an unforgiving educational system. 

The play explored discipline, identity and systemic inequality, highlighting the emotional toll these forces took on students and parents. With a predominantly Black cast, the production reinforced representation on stage and brought authenticity to the characters’ experiences. 

At the center of the production, junior Jalen Whitmore brought Nya to life with a commanding physical presence that established her authority from the start. However, her authority was continuously affected by emotional vulnerability that surfaced in quieter moments. Her monologues felt unguarded and personal, revealing the weight of responsibility she carried as both a teacher and a mother. 

Whitmore’s performance was strengthened through her dynamic with junior Isaiah Clayton, who played Omari. In moments of conflict, their arguments were heightened by the production’s lighting choices, as warmer tones gave way to the spotlights which isolated the two characters and emphasized the emotional distance between them. 

Jasmine, played by junior Jordyn Packer, added depth to the production through moments that extended past dialogue. Her vocalizations during set changes paired with background instrumentals created a sense of continuity that carried emotion between scenes. These choices made the transitions feel intentional rather than only functional.

The friendship between Nya and Laurie, played by junior Rachael McNutt, showcased moments of natural humor. Laurie’s comedic presence came through in her delivery and timing, allowing lines to land naturally. Her interactions with the security guard, Dun, played by junior Myles Earley, balanced humor with sincerity, with his dialogue standing out as grounded and emotional.

Technical elements such as lighting, designed by Assistant Professor Minjoo Kim, and sound, designed by junior Lorelei Stuart, worked together to dramatize the scenes. This is especially true when Nya collapsed in front of her class, where flashes of light and heartbeat audio intensified the moment. In contrast, quieter scenes where characters left voicemails used isolated spotlights to create a sense of distance and rapport. 

By the final moments, the return to warmer overhead lighting signaled a shift toward reconciliation, mirroring the emotional progression of the characters. Through its performances and technical design, the production highlighted a mother’s effort to support her son’s future without distancing him from the community that shaped him.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Myles Earley’s name was accidentally misspelled. (Wednesday, April 15, 6:45 p.m.)

A pair of models pose for cameras at the BSA Fashion Show at Mason on March 29. (Jalynn Kirabo / Fourth Estate)

BY BASIL MUSTAFA, STAFF WRITER

The Black Student Alliance (BSA) combined flowing, colorful fabrics, a range of musical genres and fine-tuned choreography for their 2026 fashion show titled “Elemental Roots of Style” on March 29.

The show was directed by sophomore Mechanical Engineering major Starr Davis, who modeled in last year’s show. Embroidery and handmade designs accentuated strong pieces that told a story through flowers, fire and water to mimic the natural elements.

To start the event, models gathered around the runway in all black and struck poses as an emcee laid out the expectations for the show. After a short interpretive dance, the intro to The Weeknd’s “Dawn FM” played as models exited the runway in preparation for the rest of the performance.

The show began with a pair of models in black and white dresses adorned with an assortment of flowers. With an umbrella in hand, the model in white spun behind the model in black as a shower of red rose petals fell to the runway.

The energy picked up as the music shifted to afrofusion and a theme of general greenery. One highly accessorized model leapt across the runway wearing a knitted fishnet top followed by another in an all-green dashiki.

As heavy punk rock began to play, five models walked out, each alongside someone dressed in a red hooded cape. The hooded models surrounded the others before they all made their way off the runway.

A fire and brimstone motif was set ablaze with music that was tempered with more bass and distortion. A model in a wedding dress and red veil walked the runway with a model in a white suit shirt, fur boots and red threads. Their poses were done in quick succession to a raucous crowd.

F1lthy’s producer tag played in unison with the entrance of two models, one wearing a black tux with a red sash and the other sporting a black and red kurta. Their movements were synchronized as they stepped to the beat of “All Red” by Playboi Carti. 

Homage was paid to the late Luci4 as his song “Hey” played during the walkout of a model with an all-black fit.

Although the models began to recycle, the energy and outfits remained palpable. By the time the fire and brimstone section came to an end, the crowd was fully involved. 

During intermission, attendees themselves participated in a best dressed competition. Afterwards, two models began a bridal-like procession. One wore a red and white embroidered tuxedo and the other wore a dress and blue tophat.

A model poses on the runway during the oceanic theme at the BSA Fashion Show on March 29. (Jalynn Kirabo / Fourth Estate)

The show transitioned to an oceanic blue section, and accessories and jewelry shimmered in the reflection of the stage lighting. Models wore statement blue fabrics and walked to “Rock the Boat” by Aaliyah. 

The show ended with a brown, earthy theme. The highlight of the section featured a model wearing a brown dashiki paired with a partner wearing a short, ruffled white dress.

A model wears earthy tones for the elemental theme at the BSA Fashion Show on March 29. (Jalynn Kirabo / Fourth Estate)

Davis said that the fashion show was “one of the greatest leadership experiences [she’s] had” and that she built a familial connection with everyone involved with the show.

She also talked about her experience as a model at last year’s BSA fashion show and how that inspired her to direct her own show. 

Davis added that she really loves “Earth and all the different elements” and she incorporated different dance pieces because of her passion for dance.

“I really wanted to see if I could make my own personal visions happen,” Davis said.

Adjunct faculty and graduate student instructors at George Mason report concerns over low pay, limited job security and heavy workloads. (Detra Bell / Fourth Estate)

BY LORENZO IRAHETA-LEON, STAFF WRITER

A growing number of adjunct professors and graduate student instructors at George Mason are voicing dissatisfaction with their treatment by the university’s administration. 

janet e. dandridge, co-chair of the George Mason Provost’s Office Adjunct Faculty Committee and adjunct faculty in the School of Art, spoke on issues faced by the faculty. 

“The vast majority of complaints that are shared with me are about not being paid on time, being underpaid, not having benefits, unexpected workloads and having classes cancelled up to one week prior to the beginning of the semester,” she said.

At Mason, adjunct professors are hired on a semester-by-semester contractual basis, with no guarantee of renewal, limited access to benefits and no job security compared to their full-time counterparts. 

dandridge said “An adjunct who’s been working 23 years, teaching the same courses, has to sign a contract each semester for those same courses. It’s ridiculous,”

“Adjuncts are a unique bunch in the university. Usually, we are working full-time in our professions, and sharing real-world, real-time knowledge with students, which is invaluable.” she added.

For the majority of adjunct faculty in public Virginia universities, their income primarily comes from their professional work while also teaching at different schools. 

“I really want to emphasize that adjunct faculty contracts are per semester, they are three to four months long, you’re turning around every three to four months without knowing you’ll have a job,” dandridge said. 

When discussing issues that faculty face at Mason, dandridge highlighted primary university-wide shortcomings. According to her, the university does not provide adjunct faculty with a clear orientation to faculty resources upon being hired, pathways to share grievances and processes for resolving those grievances.   

“You are working in a university where you don’t have a voice. Who do you go to when leadership says this is an issue that you have to discuss with leadership? Aren’t you leadership? If there is no path, how do you resolve the problems you’re having?” dandridge said. 

George Mason has representative bodies for non-tenure faculty members, including the Adjunct Faculty Committee and the Graduate and Professional Student Association. 

Drew Leisner, a graduate student in the College of Science, said “We haven’t had the opportunity to talk to anyone higher than that in the administration. I know [that’s what] the graduate student government GAPSA is for, but I actually served on that a few years ago and I don’t really think it was very effective in that role.”

According to GAPSA, its purpose is to serve as a body for graduate and professional students to voice issues, advocate for the greater good and to create a stronger graduate community.

“We’ve met with the leadership in our department [who say] a lot about ‘oh we’ll make sure this will never happen again,’ and we were then able to get in touch with one or two people from the college who just then deflected all the blame back onto our department.” Leisner said. 

Graduate students’ primary pursuit is an advanced degree and a focus on research, but they often also have to teach classes in order to support their academic pursuits. They have been facing issues similar to the adjuncts’ issues, with the two groups’ complaints often overlapping. 

Peter McEachern, a PhD student in the Psychology department, said, “We’re expendable … we are expected to shoulder far more work than anyone realistically can. We do it because we have to, many of us are here because we are passionate about what we do and what we study.”

Adjunct professors have voiced similar complaints about overworking while also touching on the financial issues they face. 

“I love teaching, but just have to do so much of it that I can never really do as good of a job as I would like. Same with the research, my workload is just so insane that I can’t give my best to anything,” McEachern said. 

Mason’s stipend level is low compared to other public Va. institutions and Northern Virginia’s high cost of living,, especially for adjuncts and graduate and professional students. 

“I live in Arlington, so this is the highest cost of living area in the whole state, but as far as I’m aware, the average stipend level at George Mason is the lowest average stipend level for any public school in Virginia,” Leisner said.

The faculty’s financial struggles have brought up comparisons to Mason’s recent staffing and budget deliberations. 

“I went to the Board of Visitors meeting and Mason’s strategy to weather their budgetary issues was to stop hiring staff and to replace full-time staff that departed with part-time staff, while increasing enrollment,” McEachern said. “So basically just massively increase the work that we’re doing.” 

“We have a very well paid administration, but we have some of the biggest gaps in staffing for any public university in Virginia,” Leisner said. “I think there is definitely [space for] the administration to look at the budget and there are some holes that can be filled.”

George Mason’s administration did not respond to the Fourth Estate’s request for comment. 

The American Association of University Professors held a community town hall on state workers’ collective bargaining rights Feb. 28. The town hall centered around Mason’s and Va.’s collective bargaining bills SB378 and HB1263. 

The bills would lift the ban on public sector collective bargaining while excluding home care workers and higher education faculty. The two bills passed the Va. General Assembly, establishing statewide collective bargaining for public sector employees. 

As higher education faculty are currently excluded from the bills, university workers remain feeling underrepresented in their work. 

“I have a terminal degree in my field — I have 25 plus years of experience — I have been diligently and tirelessly doing what I can to help my students holistically,” dandridge said.

“I care about my colleagues and the experience we have, and what I want is [for the administration] to understand that I’ve invested so much time in what I do to get to pick where I can teach people effectively and the university is taking advantage of me,” she emphasized. 

“The Mason motto is ‘Altogether Different’, but it is not. It should say Mason is not altogether different; Mason is like any other exploitative institution,” dandridge said. 

EDITOR’S NOTE: janet e. dandridge requested her name to be uncapitalized.

The view from inside Tower Three looking at Chakaia Booker’s new exhibit “In the Tower: Treading New Ground” in Washington, D.C., on March 24, 2026. (Anisa Fox / Fourth Estate)

BY ANISA FOX, STAFF WRITER

In Tower Three of the East Building of the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., there is a small, brightly lit room with walls adorned in car tires. 

The exhibit, titled “In the Tower: Treading New Ground,” opened last April and will run until Aug. 2, 2026. It features three installations by Chakaia Booker, an internationally renowned sculptor who uses reclaimed and otherwise discarded materials to create her work. 

The museum is located alongside other Smithsonian museums on 7th Street and Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. The exhibit is open daily between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. and free to all visitors.   

Tower Three is situated behind several abstract art spaces featuring works such as a giant blue chicken by Katharina Fritsch on the building’s roof, the massive emotion filled squares by infamous painter Mark Rothko and graffiti-like creations by Jean Dubuffet in the east building adjoining the tower.

Climbing up the spiral staircase to the skylight-lit exhibit, viewers are invited to go up close with the installations and are welcome to feel them. The three heavy pieces measure up to 21 feet wide each. 

The works featured are titled “Acid Rain” (2001), “Echoes in Black” (1996) and “It’s So Hard to Be Green” (2000). The exhibit is the result of 40 laborious years of collecting, cleaning, hauling, cutting and shaping tires. Together the pieces tell a story of Earth’s fight against environmental threats. 

“Acid Rain” symbolizes the “destruction and creative possibilities of our interactions with the environment,” while “Echoes in Black” evokes a “landscape choked by industry,” according to the museum labels. 

“It’s So Hard to Be Green” symbolizes the difficulty of finding the best way to tackle environmental issues. 

Descriptions in the exhibit explain that for Booker, using reclaimed materials in her art allows her to make a statement about environmental destruction. Saving these materials from a landfill death — where they could release harmful chemicals into the environment — embodies her message.

“I saw and still see the recycling of old tires as a contribution to the resolution of the issues involved both realistically and symbolically,” Booker wrote in the exhibit label.

The view from inside Tower Three looking at Chakaia Booker’s new exhibit “In the Tower: Treading New Ground” in Washington, D.C., on March 24, 2026. (Anisa Fox / Fourth Estate)

As a viewer, seeing the pieces in person for the first time is striking. It’s easy to feel consumed by the art as if the swirls of the sculpted car, truck and bike tires are going to envelop you in their black. 

The exhibit is best experienced by sitting in front of each work to observe the very intentional cutting and molding of the tires and how each piece, despite being physically stagnant, contains a movement that carries breath away. Their significance is impossible to ignore. 

The National Gallery of Art remains a unique, free and family friendly experience in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. It makes otherwise hidden issues, artists and works of art accessible to a varied audience. 

Booker’s work is just one of many exhibits that evoke deep emotions and pose questions about the human experience. 

A sandwich, cheesecake and specialty drinks sit on a table at Haraz Coffee House in Fairfax, Va., on March 5, 2026. (Avi Terali / Fourth Estate)

BY AVI TERALI, STAFF WRITER

The hiss of the espresso machine, the low hum of conversation, the comfort of that first sweet sip — coffee shops are the heartbeat of college life. 

Coffee shops play an important role in the daily routines of many Mason students. Whether it’s grabbing a quick drink before class, settling in for a long study session or meeting friends between assignments, cafes around campus offer a mix of comfort, atmosphere and convenience. 

Several cafes near Mason stand out for their unique environments, quality drinks and reliable study spaces. 

Located on Main Street in Fairfax, Haraz Coffee House offers a warm and inviting atmosphere from the moment you walk in. The scent of cardamom and freshly roasted beans fill the air, and the staff greet customers with a genuine friendliness that immediately sets a positive tone. The interior blends modern design with traditional Yemeni influences – gold accents, patterned tiles and soft lighting – that create a cozy, elevated feel. 

Haraz is especially appealing for students looking to settle in with their laptops. The cafe provides ample seating, calm background music and a steady flow of customers. 

The menu ranges from ethnic dishes to modern cafe staples, offering everything from savory sandwiches to rich desserts. The mango matcha, one of their most popular specialty drinks, blends earthy matcha with bright mango for a smooth refreshing sweetness. 

“Haraz Cafe is really nice and has a clean aesthetic,” freshman Christina Tran said. “It has a polished look that feels modern.” 

Whether you’re studying for an exam or catching up on readings, Haraz offers a comfortable balance of energy and calm. 

Situated near the center of Old Town Fairfax, De Clieu is bright and open, with tall windows that bring in steady natural light and give the cafe a warm airy feel. The environment is lively, but never too overbearing for the quiet crowd. It attracts a mix of students, remote workers and families throughout the day. 

The menu includes sandwiches, crepes and specialty drinks, as well as their famous house-made syrups. The vanilla bean latte, one of the specialty drinks made with their house-made vanilla syrup, has a mix of sweet vanilla and bitter espresso which makes every sip simple but delicious.

Sandwiches, iced drinks and a layered dessert sit on a table at De Clieu Coffee & Sandwiches, a popular study spot in Fairfax, Va., on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. (Avi Terali / Fourth Estate)

The location is also only a 15 to 20 minute walk from campus, making it a great option for on-campus students who are looking for a change of scenery.

With plenty of tables, reliable Wi-Fi and a layout that accommodates both solo work and group study sessions, De Clieu remains one of the most dependable study spots for Mason students. 

For those looking for a quieter, more intimate environment, Bakery Museum & Co. offers a refreshing change of pace. Tucked away from the busier parts of Fairfax, this cafe has an artsy, cozy interior that feels almost like a creative studio. Soft lighting, small tables and displays of baked goods create a warm, inviting atmosphere. 

The cafe specializes in fresh pastries, classic espresso drinks and seasonal matcha flavors, making it a great choice for students who want a study spot with a diverse menu. The calm environment also makes it ideal for those who prefer a low-key, slower-paced study spot. 

As an added bonus, Bakery Museum & Co offers a discount to Mason students who present their student ID at the register. 

Located next to Piedmont Hall on campus with another nearby location in University Mall, Dunkin’ Donuts remains a convenient option for students who need something quick and familiar. The atmosphere is fast-paced, with customers constantly moving in and out between classes. 

The bright lighting and steady foot traffic makes it less suited for long study sessions, but its affordability and speed make it a reliable stop for early-morning coffee runs or a last minute breakfast. 

Each cafe brings something different to the Mason community, giving students reliable places to work, meet friends or take a break. With so many options close to campus, finding a good cup of coffee is never difficult.

Festivalgoers crowd beneath cherry blossom trees at the Tidal Basin on March 28 in Washington, D.C. (Nathan Ferraro / Fourth Estate)

BY ALEXANDRA HENRIQUES, STAFF WRITER

On March 26, peak bloom for Washington, D.C.’s cherry blossoms around the Tidal Basin began. While the trees only stay in peak bloom for anywhere from four days to a week, the Cherry Blossom Festival and cherry blossom sightseeing bring joy to the greater Washington area for over a month. 

“It feels like a special tradition that marks the arrival of spring,” junior Communication major Sirong Chen said. 

Taiko groups perform for the Cherry Blossom Festival on March 28 near the Washington Monument. (Nathan Ferraro / Fourth Estate)

From special exhibits and expositions at the Smithsonian museums, to street markets, parades and BloomFest at the Tidal Basin featuring live music and performances, there are many ways to enjoy the cherry blossom season. 

The most popular viewing destination is the Tidal Basin, which features over 3,500 Yoshino cherry blossom trees. 

Chen viewed the trees at the Tidal Basin, noting the beauty of the pink flowers and reflection on the water as some of the reasons the location is ideal for the season.

“My favorite part is how peaceful and dreamy everything feels … The whole atmosphere just feels really calming and beautiful,” she said. 

Mason sophomore An Nguyen has experienced the peak bloom of the cherry blossoms multiple times since she arrived in the U.S. in early 2024. Nguyen also viewed the trees around the Tidal Basin this year and said that visiting the cherry blossoms at sunrise or sunset is especially beautiful. 

“Just being able to see the cherry blossoms in bloom is my favorite part [of the season] … it feels really special to me,” Nguyen, an Art and Visual Technology major, said. 

Junior Forensic Science major Anya Mathur chose to view the cherry blossoms in Vienna’s Meadowlark Botanical Gardens. She said that she partially chose the location due to its proximity, a mere 25-minute drive from campus, as well as a desire to avoid the crowds in popular viewing points in D.C. 

This year was her second year viewing the cherry blossoms, though last year she experienced the festival at The Wharf on D.C.’s stretch of the Potomac River instead of the gardens.

“I think I preferred the botanical gardens because of how crowded it was in D.C.,” she said. “The botanical gardens were still busy, but not nearly as busy as The Wharf. The gardens also had much more greenery and it felt like a more natural environment than at The Wharf, so I thought it made for better pictures.” 

There are still plenty of ways to celebrate the season, with Sakura Matsuri, a Japanese street festival, the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade and Art Blooms at Mosaic, a local artist market with live performances and activities, all taking place this weekend. 

A household in Loudoun County with a lawn sign telling people to vote yes on April 21. (Isabella Pearlstein / Fourth Estate)

BY ISABELLA PEARLSTEIN, STAFF WRITER

Virginians will be given the opportunity to vote “yes” or “no” on a referendum that will temporarily amend Virginia’s Constitution to allow the General Assembly to redraw the state’s congressional districts. 

Early voting began March 6 and ends April 18. Election Day is Tuesday, April 21.

A referendum is a ballot measure that asks the population to vote on an issue proposed by a legislative body. In this case, the Va. General Assembly has proposed a constitutional amendment that would temporarily allow its General Assembly to redraw congressional districts.

According to the Va. Department of Elections, the ballot question reads: “Should the Constitution of Virginia be amended to allow the General Assembly to temporarily adopt new congressional districts to restore fairness in the upcoming elections, while ensuring Virginia’s standard redistricting process resumes for all future redistricting after the 2030 census?”

Current law explains the state can redraw its congressional districts every 10 years in line with the census. The districts are drawn by the Va. Redistricting Commission, a legislative body that is made up of eight legislators and eight citizens with an equal number of Republicans and Democrats.

Va. Democrats have already proposed a map that would give Democrats a 10-1 advantage in the state’s congressional delegation.

The proposed amendment comes after multiple other states have put forth efforts into redrawing their congressional districts. Texas, Missouri, Ohio and North Carolina have redrawn their congressional districts to create more Republican seats while California has redrawn theirs to create more Democrat seats, according to multiple outlets.

Va. Democrats released a proposed map of new congressional districts in February 2026 (Virginia General Assembly)

The redistricting efforts are a preemptive move to create more seats for both political parties to fill before the upcoming midterm elections this November. Any potential blue wave in the midterms could create serious roadblocks for Trump and his administration’s goals. If Republicans maintain control of the House and the Senate, Trump could continue with his legislative agenda.

Several political ad campaigns such as Virginians for Fair Elections have referred to the referendum as a way to “level the playing field in the upcoming congressional elections and protect our democracy for our kids and grandkids.” 

Virginians may have seen former President Barack Obama appear on the TV asking for voters to vote yes. 

An opposing flyer advertisement by Justice for Democracy PAC has also appeared in voters’ mailboxes.  The ad, which is not officially affiliated with Obama,  shows the former president’s earlier quotes against gerrymandering and urges to “Protect minority representation” by voting no on the referendum. 

A Justice for Democracy PAC advertisement using Obama’s past words to oppose the referendum (Sam Douglas / Fourth Estate)

Students who are registered to vote in Fairfax County can vote at early in-person satellite locations with more opening April 11. Students registered in the City of Fairfax can vote early at Fairfax City Hall. Students who live on-campus at Fairfax can register to vote at Merten Hall by updating their registration information.

To find other early in-person voting locations, visit the Va. Department of Elections website and find your locality. For voter registration information, look at the registration page on the Va. Department of Elections site.The deadline to register to vote in Fairfax County is April 14. The registration deadline for the City of Fairfax is 10 days before any general election.

George Mason University’s Board of Visitors gathered for their March 31 meeting in Merten Hall. (Grace Miller/Fourth Estate)

BY GRACE MILLER, STAFF WRITER 

George Mason’s Board of Visitors held a public comment meeting focused on the fiscal year 2027 proposed increases in tuition and fees on March 31. 

“We [faculty and staff] are carrying the burdens of our institution’s inability to garner adequate state funding year-over-year,” Professor and President of the George Mason Chapter of the American Association of University Professors Dr. Bethany Letiecq said during the public comment section.

Interim Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Dan Stephens, along with Executive Vice President of University Life Rose Pascarell, presented George Mason’s financial situation in comparison to other R1 public peer universities in Virginia to the BOV. 

When tuition, fees and state appropriations are combined, George Mason is the lowest funded of its peers.

In state appropriations alone, George Mason receives $10,544 per in-state student. Virginia Tech, the next highest funded peer, receives $12,212. William & Mary is the highest funded of the R1 peers and receives $15,510 per student from the state.

The BOV plans to focus on obtaining more state appropriations in future years. For FY27, the Virginia House earmarked $11 million for George Mason, whereas the Virginia Senate earmarked $7 million.

“It’s just going to take time and continued action,” said President Gregory Washington. 

Elisa Wolf, a PhD student, also commented. She criticized the university’s handling of her own and others’ Title IX cases and mentioned the university’s financial situation. 

“None of us as students really are in the position to be exploited by our institution that we are looking for quality education and a safe environment,” she said.

For FY27, the university is proposing a tuition increase of $360 for undergraduates and $504 for graduate students. This is a 3.5% increase on the in-state rate; for out-of-state students, it is a 1% increase for undergraduate students and a 1.4% increase for graduate students. George Mason is also proposing a $132 overall increase in student fees for all undergraduates and graduate students, but students at the Antonin Scalia Law School will see a $98 increase.

According to Stephens, George Mason’s peers are also asking for increases in tuition this year.

Despite the increase, there will still be about an $8 million operating deficit for FY27, assuming the Va. legislature appropriates $11 million, according to updated university figures since the March 24 tuition town hall. Every year, the education and general budget must be balanced per Va. state requirements, according to Stephens at the tuition town hall.

President Washington emphasized to the board that it is difficult to reach zero deficit due to fluctuations in projected enrollments and employment. 

“The budget is actually quite dynamic,” Washington said. “[This] is the data we know right at this moment. I can guarantee you a month, two months down the line, it’s going to be a different number, and those oscillations are in the millions [of dollars].” 

Auxiliary funds for services such as housing, dining and athletics can be used toward the deficit if there is a surplus. Some operating reserves — which are mainly unused state appropriations from previous years — will be used to cover the deficit for FY27. 

To some at the meeting, the use of funds in this way is not ideal. 

“Philosophically, I am against using reserves in that way. What we have done historically, is we have used our reserves primarily for large ticket items — things like capital investment [and] major purchases,” Stephens said.

The university is “highly efficient,” Stephens said, due to a faculty to student ratio of 0.18. 

“We are at the lowest level of funding per employee when you divide the total student population,” he said.

The Finance and Land Use Committee will meet on April 15 to review the proposed increases in tuition and fees, as well as the full budget for the university. The full BOV will meet the afternoon of April 30 to hold the final vote on the university budget.

Griffin Crouch finishes speaking at the Undergraduate Representative Body meeting on March 19. Crouch was elected as student body president on April 6 after serving as the chair of the government and community relations committee. (Sam Douglas / Fourth Estate)

BY RITHVIK HARI, ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR

Mason’s Student Government announced the election results for the Undergraduate Representative Body for the 2026-27 academic year. 

Running unopposed, Griffin Crouch and Skylar Ringo were elected president and executive vice president. The ticket received 345 votes in favor, with 29 voting no and 42 abstaining. 

A total of 416 students submitted ballots, just a small fraction of the nearly 30,000 eligible undergraduate student voters.

“I am beyond thankful that George Mason students chose my running mate, Griffin Crouch, and myself to represent them as we soon enter the 2026-2027 school year,” Executive Vice President-elect Skylar Ringo said in a written statement to Fourth Estate. 

Skylar Ringo listens as debate continues at the Undergraduate Representative Body meeting on April 2. Ringo was elected as executive vice president on April 6 after serving as one of the Schar School of Policy and Government’s representatives. (Sam Douglas / Fourth Estate)

“My main goal is to ensure all students [in] our vibrant community are heard and seen with facilities and resources that are accessible and affordable for their overall future success.” 

Crouch and Ringo ran with the campaign slogan “Every Voice, One Mason.” Their ticket aims to tackle affordability struggles, defend DEI & students’ rights and support student life and wellbeing, according to their team platform.

“We want to lead with open minds and an open door,” Crouch said. “If you have any ideas, any complaints, anything you think SG should do better, we’re here [because] we want you to tell us. We want your advice. We want your input. We want your help. We don’t know everything.”

“We intend to have an administration that’s open to everyone, open to every idea, [that is] here to fight for every Mason student. We think student government is a tool to advocate, inform and empower, and everyone’s welcoming that mission,” Crouch continued.

Crouch is currently a junior majoring in Government and International Politics. He serves as the chair of the URB’s government and community relations committee. 

Ringo is currently a sophomore majoring in Government and International Politics. She serves as one of the Schar School of Policy and Government’s elected representatives in the URB and as the civic engagement liaison for the government and community relations committee. 

For more information on their campaign, visit their Instagram page. 

Protestors hold up their signs along Chain Bridge Road, near city hall, as cars drive by and honk in support, on March 28, 2026. (Isabella Pearlstein / Fourth Estate)

BY ISABELLA PEARLSTEIN, STAFF WRITER

Recently, the third string of nationwide “No Kings” protests made it to the City of Fairfax.

People of all ages and backgrounds joined together to display their outrage with the federal government. Protesters gathered with homemade signs, joined a community art project and sang songs of resistance to demonstrate against the Trump administration.

This is the third “No Kings” protest held since President Donald Trump took office over a year ago. Support and organization for the event came from Turning the Tables, an organization founded in 2025 that works to engage the Fairfax community in civics. 

Turning the Tables is part of Indivisible, a grassroots organization founded in 2016 that works to “stop the rise of authoritarianism in the United States,” according to their website. 

According to organizers, between 1,200 and 1,500 people turned out for the March 28 protest. Protestors lined up along both sides of Chain Bridge Road, from the Fairfax City Inova Emergency Room to Sager Avenue, showing off signs to people driving along the half-mile stretch of road. 

Several drivers honked their horns in response and gave a thumbs up with supporting cheers and waves. With every honk, protestors whooped and cheered.

Caitlin Schaefer, a rising Elementary Education major at Mason, held a bright green neon sign that read “No sleep till impeachment.” 

“It’s definitely important to show up no matter where you live, just to continue to protest, show that this is not acceptable behavior from Trump, his cabinet, to Congress, who are not [doing] much at all right now,” Schaefer said.

Protestors write and tie their “‘Why’ Knots” as part of a community art project on March 28, 2026. (Isabella Pearlstein / Fourth Estate)

Throughout the protest, demonstrators had the opportunity to participate in a community art project titled “Our ‘Why’ Knots.” Protestors walked up to event volunteers who had strips of fabric to write why they were at the protest and tie it to the netting. 

“We really wanted the voice of the community to be part of this day … everyday people expressing their concerns about what’s going on,” one volunteer said.

From left to right: Parker Coates, Sophia Burbridge, Hina Walters, and Lourdes Davis (Isabella Pearlstein / Fourth Estate)

A group of friends from Mason heard about the protest from their friend Sophia Burbridge, a sophomore Criminology Law and Society major. 

“We need to show our support. The more the merrier, we need to show that we’re mad and this is not just about politics, this is not just about who’s right and who’s wrong. This is about saving America, and this is about having a better future for our kids and our next generations,” said Burbridge, who found out about the protest on Instagram.

“I feel so deeply about what’s going on in this world, and it’s all so messed up, and I can’t do much by myself, but I know that showing up and showing my support for all these people is gonna help,” Parker Coates, a sophomore Criminology major, said.

The group described a positive atmosphere and sense of community at the protests.

“Despite the fact that it’s cold and windy, and we’re next to a busy street, everybody’s happy, everybody [has] turned out, and we stayed out … I’m just so happy to see how many people are also just as upset and angry as I am and willing to show it in peaceful ways and just to show up and make a difference,” Lourdes Davis, a sophomore Mechanical Engineering major, said.

The protest ended with a small rally of guest speakers who spoke against the current Trump administration and the political discourse of the U.S. Eric Scott, part of I Will Productions, led protestors in song before Rev. Drew Ensz from ARISE Campus Ministry spoke about standing up for immigrants and members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Former ambassador Robin Matthewman followed. She spoke about global conflict and her time as an ambassador. Alex Norko, a Virginia resident, spoke about his activism against ICE in Loudoun County and how he hopes to bring it to Fairfax and get the community engaged.

Rev. Dr. Stephany Rose Spaulding, executive director of Politivist Action PAC, spoke about needing to fight for more than just democracy. 

“We must evolve in humanity,” she said.

Students raise flags at the end of the International Week Flag Parade on Tuesday, March 31, on Wilkins Plaza. (Katie Perschau/ Fourth Estate)

BY KATIE PERSCHAU, CULTURE EDITOR

Mason students participated in a parade around campus on Tuesday, March 31, to celebrate the wide range of cultures that are represented at the university for the 45th annual International Week celebration. Students represented their countries with flags flown throughout the festivities. 

The parade began on the SUB I quad, moving northeast to Merten Hall before looping back through campus to end on Wilkins Plaza. Paraders played lively songs and paused around campus for pictures and cheers.

They also passed through the Johnson Center, where flags hang from the balconies each year for the celebration. 

Flags hang from the balconies of the Johnson Center on Tuesday, March 31, to celebrate International Week at Mason. (Katie Perschau/ Fourth Estate)

Over 30 countries from five continents were represented in the parade, including China, Iran, Cambodia, Puerto Rico, Brazil and Slovakia. 

“I’m representing Nigeria because … I just think it’s kind of fun to represent and also to learn about other people’s cultures,” Morolake Okanlawon, a first year PhD student at Mason, said. “I used to do this in my undergrad, we had something similar. So now being in grad school, I was like ‘Oh yeah, this is one of the fun parts of being in school, to come together and feel like you’re a part of the world.’” 

Students representing Latin American countries pose for a photo after the flag ceremony on Tuesday, March 31. (Katie Perschau / Fourth Estate)

At the end of the parade, students representing each country were invited on a stage outside the Johnson Center for recognition. Many participants wore traditional clothing from their cultures.

The parade and flag ceremony were followed by a festival that included snacks, giveaways, activities and prizes.  

International Week is an important tradition at Mason that brings together students from different backgrounds for a week of colorful cultural expression.

The annual celebration comes at a time when international undergraduate and graduate student populations are decreasing partly due to concerns about visa applications and travel restrictions. 

Other activities for the week include the International Dance Competition, Photo Competition and sports tournaments. 

Ikram Foundation staff, donors, supporters and scholarship recipients gather at the organization’s fundraising dinner Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026, in Falls Church, Va. The annual event brings together the community that makes the foundation’s mission possible. (Kanwal / Films by Kanwal)

BY JUMMANA ALZAHRANI, STAFF WRITER

There is a particular kind of courage it takes to start over. 

In a small office in Herndon, Virginia, a few miles from Mason’s Fairfax campus, a quiet experiment in second chances has been unfolding for the past decade. Ikram Foundation, established in 2014, provides educational grants to divorced and widowed Muslim women pursuing degrees and certificates across the country. The connection to Mason runs deep as every member of the foundation’s staff is a Mason alum.

For 15 of those women, that support has meant the difference between dreaming of a degree and actually earning one at Mason. 

For the women the foundation serves, this naming is intentional. 

“Ikram is derived from the Arabic root ‘karamah,’ which translates to dignity, honor and generosity,” Executive Director Somayyah Ghariani said. “It is the same word used when the Quran speaks of the inherent dignity bestowed upon all children of Adam.” 

Ghariani said it speaks to the belief that dignity is not something a woman loses when she loses a husband. It is something she carries within her, something that education can help her fully realize and pass on to others.

Ghariani knows the university well. 

“I’ve been in this area in northern Virginia for over 20 years now,” Ghariani said on the Muslim Philanthropy Podcast in 2021. “I went to school at George Mason University. I got a bachelor’s degree in communication and psychology, and after that I started my journey with Muslim nonprofits here in the Northern Virginia area.”

The foundation’s mission is specific because the need is specific.

“Ikram Foundation’s a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization,” Ghariani explained on the podcast. “We’re located in Herndon, Virginia … and our mission is to empower divorced and widowed Muslim women with education.” 

“So we provide educational grants specifically to divorced and widowed Muslim women all across the United States.”

According to records provided to Fourth Estate, the foundation has supported 15 beneficiaries who attended Mason. They came from Syria, Sudan, Pakistan, Palestine, Algeria, Morocco and the United States. 

They are mothers and immigrants, women who have lost partners and women who have left them. They studied mathematics, civil engineering, cybersecurity and childhood education. They are, in many ways, beginning again. 

For the women Ikram Foundation serves, this journey often comes with added layers of complexity. In many cultural contexts, a woman’s identity can become closely tied to her role as a wife, and when that role ends through divorce or widowhood, she may face social isolation or quiet judgment from within her own community. The stigma is not rooted in Islam itself, but in cultural expectations that can leave women without the support systems they once relied on.

Some find themselves navigating family disapproval or financial uncertainty at the very moment they are trying to rebuild. Returning to school in this context becomes more than an academic pursuit. It is an act of reclaiming independence and dignity. 

Being a divorced or widowed woman pursuing higher education often means carrying a weight that others do not always see. It can mean sitting in a classroom after putting children to bed, studying during lunch breaks at work and wondering if the money will run out before the semester ends. 

Ghariani and her team see this weight. Program Director Saman Quraeshi, who first came to the foundation as a client herself, said the organization built itself around the belief that these women are worth investing in, not despite their struggles but because of the strength those struggles have forged. 

“We don’t just write checks,” she explained. “Every dollar that leaves our hands carries the weight of someone’s trust behind it. We have an obligation to be honest with that money and to stretch it as far as it will go.” 

It is this belief that guides how every scholarship is funded, every dollar is accounted for and every woman is supported from application to graduation.

That trust has ripple effects. A woman who receives a scholarship and completes a degree becomes an example. Her children watch her study, persevere and graduate. Other women in her community see what is possible, which can lead to collective impact.

“This financial grant represents more than just education to me,” Fatmeh Kassem, a single mother and survivor of domestic violence, said. “It is a pathway to independence, stability and the ability to financially support my children on my own.” 

The women Ikram supports are not abstractions. They are the Sudanese mother studying civil engineering while her children do homework beside her. They are the Algerian woman earning a paralegal certificate, building a new life in a new country. They are the Pakistani student pursuing early childhood education, pouring into other children the care her own have witnessed her fight for.

Through the Ikram Foundation, a scholarship is never just a scholarship. By investing in one woman’s education, the organization invests in everyone her life touches. 

The misspelled sign labeling Innovation as “Innnovation Hall” pictured Feb. 10, 2026. (Nathan Ferraro / Fourth Estate)

BY JOSEPH TRIOLO, STAFF WRITER

Eagle-eyed students were met with an extra “n” on their way to classes at Innovation Hall earlier this semester. The newly redone sign outside the main entrance read “Innnovation Hall.” 

The typo comes amidst recent efforts by George Mason University to update signage along the lines of their new brand image.

Back in 2024, the university unveiled a new logo based on the monogram of George Mason. In an article released by the university, Vice President and Chief Brand Officer Paul Allvin, was quoted saying, “This is a new look for a new era with new expectations of American higher education.” 

“The rebrand reintroduces Mason as elite yet never elitist, prestigious yet eminently accessible, confident in blazing a fundamentally new path for public higher education in the 21st century and beyond,” Allvin said.

With the new brand and logo, the university began redesigning wayfinding signs around campus. 

“Plans to update the aging color palette were already underway, and the university’s rebrand offered the ideal moment to move forward,” said University Environmental Graphics Designer and Sign Program Manager John Forgy in an email to Fourth Estate.

This process began in late 2025, according to Forgy.

“Although errors are rare, once identified, they were quickly reprinted and replaced within four days, at no cost to the overall budget,” Forgy wrote in response to attention garnered by the typo. 

The project has been funded through “previously allocated university maintenance budgets,” and will have the added benefit of saving the university on future expenses according to Forgy.

“In fact, the new paint is less expensive than the previous type, helping to reduce long‑term maintenance expenses,” Forgy said.

Despite the saved costs, some of the updated signs have sustained significant wear and tear. Outside the SUB I, one of the new signs was spotted on a slant and was missing the outer part of its leg. 

A broken sign outside of SUB I pictured on March 31, 2026. (Joseph Triolo / Fourth Estate)

“While the team conducts thorough post‑installation inspections, community attention has already proven helpful,” Forgy wrote. 

When asked how the community can continue to help, he said, “Students and George Mason community members can assist by reporting any damaged or missing signage through the Facilities & Campus Operations work order system.”

Trump’s name appears in the Epstein files over 30,000 times, yet the focus is on other popular names. (Detra Bell / Fourth Estate)

BY EMMA G. SCHAIBLE, NEWS EDITOR

I was sitting in class when I overheard two girls claim that Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani education activist, was in the Epstein files. I was immediately taken aback. I turned on my computer, pulled up the Epstein files, and searched Malala’s name. There were 19 hits. 

Needless to say, I was shocked. How could someone so prominent in the fight for women’s rights show up on a list that has done so much to hurt them?

I started reading. The first mention? A simple article from Intelligence Squared covering an event in 2017. The second was an announcement of Malala receiving the Nobel Peace Prize. More emails revealed that Epstein and his associates had joked about becoming the Executive Director of the Malala Fund.

It seemed like her name’s appearance was purely a consequence of her fame. 

The Epstein files are a partially released collection of millions of documents, images, videos and emails detailing the life and activities of infamous child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The Epstein Files Transparency Act passed in November 2025 resulted in the release of more than 3 million pages and thousands of videos, images and emails. 

His emails have received the most attention. 

The release of the Epstein files has spiked much online discussion, specifically on social media, which provides little to no fact-checking. From influencers acting like lawyers to biased news outlets cherry-picking the names that benefit their party, online discourse about the files has become a classic case of “you can’t believe everything you read on the internet.” 

By blindly believing what people online are talking about without doing our own research, we risk mischaracterizing and criminalizing innocent people.

Malala joins a series of names mentioned in emails between Jefferey Epstein and his associates without evidence of a personal relationship. This list includes prominent women such as Emma Stone, Rihanna, Megan Rapinoe and many others. The truth is, anyone who was in a news headline from 2009 to 2019 is at risk of appearing in the Epstein files, purely because he had email subscriptions to major news outlets.

Jon Stewart, the Daily Show host, appears in the Epstein files as well. In an email to his executive producer, Barry Josephson, Epstein wrote “somebody like Jon Stewart could host/narrate the biographical part,” referencing an idea for an exclusive new stand up routine for Epstein to host. 

Stewart acknowledged the mention in true Daily Show fashion. 

“I am offended. Somebody like Jon Stewart? Or Jon Stewart? My point is, do I have the offer or is this an audition?” he said.

Some mentions, although not all, have faced consequences for their actions. Economist Larry Summer resigned from his tenured job as a professor at Harvard University following heightened scrutiny for socializing with Epstein. Former President Bill Clinton and his wife Hillary Clinton have become central figures in the U.S. House Oversight Committee’s investigation. 

King Charles III stripped his brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, of his remaining royal titles, including Prince and Duke of York, following the scrutiny of his ties to Epstein. 

There are plenty of people in the Epstein files who committed the heinous crimes riddled throughout, but a mere mention should not indict the individual. By focusing too much on the names solely mentioned in newsletters, the attention is no longer on true criminals. 

The greatest way to honor the victims in the Epstein files is to make sure they are not forgotten.  However, we must be mindful of how we talk about anyone related to the Epstein files. 

Coverage of the Epstein files is an important lesson to us all: we cannot believe everything we see on the internet. Make sure you do not perpetuate the spread of misinformation. 

Read the Epstein files. Don’t read the Epstein files. But if you’re going to talk about sensitive topics, do your research.