The report also recommends the federal government withhold funding from institutions, including George Mason. “As Rector, you have fiduciary duties to advocate for the university’s best interests, including securing necessary federal funding,” the Democratic leaders’ letter stated. The current situation places you in a position where your employer’s interests may conflict with your fiduciary duties to George Mason University, its students, faculty, and the commonwealth,” the lawmakers’ letter read. George Mason’s Board of Visitors has only six voting members primarily due to Democrats rejecting multiple appointments made by Gov. The executive committee of American Association of University Professors for George Mason University wrote in a four page letter released Tuesday that it supports Democrats’ request for Stimson to step down.