Democracy Lab

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Schar School Democracy Lab students and Associate Professor Jennifer Victor, far left, pose for a photo at the White House. Photos by Buzz McClain/Schar School of Policy and Government

Jesse David Duvall, center, takes in the sights of the Green Room. The room is usually used for receptions and small formal dinners.

Joe Biden wasn’t home—he was campaigning in Pennsylvania—when 27 members of the Schar School of Policy and Government’s undergraduate learning community, Democracy Lab, paid a visit on Wednesday to the president’s home at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in northwest Washington, D.C.

The field trip to the White House, led by associate professor Jennifer N. Victor and Master of Public Policy student and learning communities assistant Mariem K. El Gazzah, was the first visit for most of the students, who are first-year government and international politics students at ��AV.

“I think it was magical,” said Sierra Hill, originally from Gypsum, Colorado, after the self-guided tour. “Looking at the state dinner room, it made me think about the global power of the United States and how diplomacy happens right there.”

Lacey Eckert, a freshman from New Jersey, was happy to finally see the president’s house from the inside after looking at it from the other side of the wrought iron security fence several times. “But it’s a little over-hyped,” she said. “I wish we could see a little bit more, like the Oval Office, but it’s still a privilege to see inside.”

Students began the day by joining a line at the East Gate with other visitors for the multipoint security check-in before following winding corridors and eventually finding themselves inside. Surprisingly, the White House gift shop is the first room encountered. (“Isn’t the gift shop usually at the end of the ride?” one tourist commented.)

The tour continued down an East Wing corridor boasting a gallery of photos of past presidents, their families, and their pets. The Library, China Room, Green Room, Red Room, Blue Room, red velvet movie theater, and other rooms were open to look into but not enter.

Although the 45-minute tour was self-guided, Secret Service officers stationed in each room doubled as helpful docents.

“The guards were very knowledgeable about the historic paintings,” said Anastasia Rea, a native of Toledo, Ohio. “They were able to give us a lot of interesting information about where the portraits fit into American history and why they belonged in the White House.”

Like many, Jesse David Duvall was taken aback at the size of the interior of the world’s most famous private residence.

“I thought it would be a lot bigger on the inside, but it’s actually kind of small,” he said.

His key observation? The house “is actually for the president,” he said. “It’s not really meant for tourists. The main purpose of the White House is for the president and his staff. And you can see that in the operation of the house.”

Indeed, off limits to the public are the Oval Office, the Cabinet Room, the Situation Room, the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room, the Navy Mess, the Treaty Room, and most of the other 132 rooms (and 35 bathrooms) in the six-level residence.

The tour was followed by a Domino’s-catered debriefing in nearby Franklin Park.

For Hill and Rea, it was their second Schar School-sponsored visit to the White House in six months. During their first visit, Joe Biden actually was there.

Jennifer Victor snaps a group selfie following the White House tour.

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Government and International Politics

Learning Communities

Schar School News for April 2024

Exploring Border Narratives: Another Successful Trip for the International Relations Policy Task Force

Andrew J Schappert — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 20:14:38 +0000

Exploring Border Narratives: Another Successful Trip for the International Relations Policy Task Force Andrew J Schappert Tue, 04/02/2024 - 16:14

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Schar School students traveled to the United States-Mexico border over spring break.

For the second time since its formation, members of the International Relations Policy Task Force (IRTF) at the Schar School of Policy and Government traveled to the United States-Mexico border in March to witness firsthand the causes and consequences of competing narratives surrounding border dynamics.

William Barker, a public administration student who joined the 1-credit, spring break study-abroad trip for the second time, reflected on the transformative nature of the trip, expressing that it “reaffirmed my passion for international relations and certainly informed me of what I want to do after graduation.”

Kaylee Fernandez, a sophomore studying government and International politics, participated in the Democracy Lab learning community last year. Now, as a member of the IRTF, the trip piqued her interest in policy development and immigration.

“The firsthand exposure to the southern border provided a deeper and new perspective essential for meaningful discourse on immigration issues,” she said.

Abara, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering peace through educational programs around immigration and border realities, hosted the IRTF students. Abara provided the students with an immersive and vulnerable experiences in some of the 32 shelters with which they work both in El Paso, Texas, and Juárez, Mexico. The objective of these volunteer experiences was to rehumanize relationships outside the news cycles and allow students to fully engage with those directly impacted by the border issues, particularly migrants. Engagement ranged from community service activities such as assisting in the kitchen and garden to engaging in conversations and recreational activities with locals.

“Being able to directly interact with migrants facing challenges at the border and putting faces to the topics often discussed in political discourse was incredible and provided me with an experience I will never forget,” Fernandez said.

Working with Abara left an undeniable impact on the students, fostering a deeper comprehension of border dynamics and the individuals affected. Engaging with local community members and activists further enriched their understanding.

“The media often shapes public opinion on immigration yet fails to capture the perspectives of the migrants themselves,” Fernandez said. “That is why volunteering in the shelters was an unforgettable experience for me.”

As an intern on Capitol Hill for U.S. Representative Gerry Connolly (D-VA), Fernandez says the trip will continue to shape her perspective for years to come.

“This experience has forever changed how I will approach drafting memos and understanding legislation related to immigration,” she said.

Beyond volunteering in shelters, students had the opportunity to explore historical and political landmarks, engage with governmental and nongovernmental representatives, and connect with faculty and students from institutions in Juárez. This well-rounded experience not only broadened their understanding of immigration policies and human security, but also fostered meaningful connections and lasting impressions.

“The trip encouraged openness, dialogue, and connection, and the scenic overlook of El Paso and Juárez served as a poignant reminder of the diverse narratives and shared humanity that transcend borders,” Barker said.

Such an experience inspired the students to continue their exploration of border narratives and realities, marking a fulfilling and educational conclusion to the successful trip.

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Schar School News for April 2024

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A Switch from STEM to Government Fit This Schar School Scholar

Andrew J Schappert — Mon, 12 Feb 2024 22:02:22 +0000

A Switch from STEM to Government Fit This Schar School Scholar Andrew J Schappert Mon, 02/12/2024 - 17:02

This is part of the Schar School's student-to-student story series where undergraduates are interviewed and profiled by their peers.

Ruthu Josyula discovered a passion for government as a senior in high school through her involvement in speech and debate. She knew she wanted to attend college in Virginia and investigated universities with government programs. Fairfax proved far enough away from home but still near bustling Washington, D.C., so ��AV and the Schar School of Policy and Government felt like a good fit.

Schar School student Ruthu Josyula has explored her career goals through a wide range of school activities. Photo provided

Not only was it in the perfect location, but Mason provided me with all of the tools I needed to begin delving into government,” she said.

Josyula attended a magnet high school, which focused on math and science. She had planned to be an architect, but switched to a government and international politics major because she was fascinated to learn about how government works and what role it plays in everyday life.

As a freshman, Josyula applied to the Democracy Lab, a first-year residential learning community, led by Associate Professor Jennifer Victor. As a member of the Democracy Lab, students live with peers who share a passion for learning and civic action. Students enroll in a government course, take part in customized field trips to important institutions in the Washington, D.C., area, and hear from prominent guest speakers. All of these opportunities build a strong network of students, professors, mentors, and advisors that contribute to students’ future success.

I was so nervous to enter a completely different area of study, but Democracy Lab was an essential step in my smooth transition,” she said. “I have met my closest friends through the program.”

Josyula had such an eye-opening experience with the Democracy Lab that, as a sophomore, she joined another learning community, the International Relations Policy Task Force, led by Associate Professor Eric McGlinchey, where sophomores, juniors, and seniors engage deeply in pressing worldwide challenges.

“This learning community will give me insight on how governments interact on a global scale,” she said.

Not only is Josyula fully immersed in Schar School programs, but she is also on the executive board of several clubs, most notably Bridge. As the name suggests, Bridge’s mission is to encourage civic dialogue on campus; it is strictly nonpartisan and specializes in mediating.

Josyula’s passion, when she is not leading a Bridge meeting or discussing international relations with Professor McGlinchey, is traveling. Another factor that led to her choosing Mason was the Global Gateway program, which allows first-year students to study abroad. She chose to travel to Morocco.

“I was shocked that I had the chance to leave the country as early as my first year,” she said. “It was a transformative adventure, and I plan to continue traveling the world.”

Having learned so much from her professors and peers, Josyula is excited for the next stage of her academic career. She plans to seek an internship in Washington, D.C. While internships are highly competitive, Josyula feels confident that she has gained marketable collaboration skills through her involvement with the Schar School’s learning communities.

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Eric McGlinchey

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Schar School News for February 2024

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Learning How to Overcome the Barriers of Student Voting

Andrew J Schappert — Wed, 06 Dec 2023 15:50:03 +0000

Learning How to Overcome the Barriers of Student Voting Andrew J Schappert Wed, 12/06/2023 - 10:50

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Associate Professor Jennifer Victor leads students in her “You’re the Voter” project.

Jennifer N. Victor

College students are an elusive group of voters.

Looking at the low voter turnout rate among college students, it may seem as though they are disinterested in elections. But a new study in the Schar School of Policy and Government at ��AV suggests college students face more barriers to voting than nearly any other population of voters and aims to determine how to get students to the polls.

Mason’s voter turnout record has huge disparities over the last few elections. For example, according to the National Study of Learning, Voting, and Engagement based at Tufts University, Mason had record-high voter turnout in 2020—nearly 72 percent of registered students voted, including those who voted on campus, by mail, or in their home districts. But in 2023, despite a robust political climate on campus, Mason’s polling station in Merten Hall saw the lowest turnout in Fairfax County—only 12 percent of registered students voted there (excluding provisional ballots, which are not yet available).

Jennifer N. Victor, associate professor in the Schar School, wants to understand what drives student voting and the best ways to overcome the barriers in student voting. This fall, she mounted a new project called “You’re the Voter,” which aims to increase voter awareness and turnout at Mason. Part mobilization, research, and experiential learning, You’re the Voter was open to students whose class instructors are enrolled in the program, offering keen insights into the motivations of an elusive voting bloc that has yet to emerge as a dominant force in American politics.

Members of the Schar School Democracy Lab Learning Community assisted Victor with the project. Democracy Lab is the only Schar School residential learning community that is exclusively for first-year students. Together, the students take an introductory government course while also engaging in events, discussions, and field trips to learn about civic engagement.

Democracy Lab students delivered an experimental protocol by going into classrooms and providing information about voting and encouragement to vote. Other classes only received emailed encouragement, while about one-third of classes in the study received no added information about voting.

A watch party was hosted for election night on November 7, 2023, and an open invitation was extended to all Schar School students to gather and watch the live results of the Virginia election. After the night ended, Victor shared some of her preliminary results.

Historical data on turnout at the Mason campus polling place (Fairfax County precinct 134 “University”; VA House of Delegates district 35; Senate district 11; Fairfax Count Braddock District)

Year	Registered Voters	Total	Percentage
2020	2294	709	30
2021	1992	452	23
2022	1798	305	17
2023	2165	254	12

*Excludes provisional ballots for all except 2021, which is inclusive of provisional ballots.

The year 2023 saw an increase in the number of registered voters in the Mason precinct relative to 2021 and 2022. Mason saw a roughly 20 percent increase in registered voters from 2022 to 2023.

Turnout at the Mason student polling site has been declining over the past four election cycles. Turnout in 2023 was 29.4 percent lower in relative to 2022, with only 12 percent of registered voters.

Victor will not know which motivation method was the most effective for turning out students until she receives the final tallies of voting data from the state, which she expects in early 2024. In the spring semester, she will work with Democracy Lab students to analyze the study data and draw conclusions about how to best get students to the polls.

Victor and her campus and community partners, including the Provost’s Office of Community Engagement and Civic Learning (CECiL) and the League of Women Voters of Fairfax, celebrated the students and faculty who participated in the study at a breakfast event on Wednesday, November 29.

“The people in this room, and elsewhere on campus, are the village that makes voting happen and keeps democracy resilient,” Victor said to the group.

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Schar School News for December 2023

Schar School Undergrads Help Welcome Australia’s Prime Minister to White House

Andrew J Schappert — Thu, 26 Oct 2023 15:45:41 +0000

Schar School Undergrads Help Welcome Australia’s Prime Minister to White House Andrew J Schappert Thu, 10/26/2023 - 11:45

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Eric McGlinchey

Mariely Lopez-Santana

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From left, Associate Professor Jennifer N. Victor, Associate Professor Eric McGlinchey, Jacob Risinger, William Barker, Aarush Jambunathan, Riley Pierce, Sabrina Afzall, John Mckey, Mary Decker, Yousef Alakkad, Sona Jinson, Anthony Andriolas, Joseph Blanchette, Shad G. Karim, Anastasia Rea, Grace Martinez-cora, Laura Lopez Salazar, Sierra Hill, Adjunct Professor Shea Holman, and Associate Professor Mariely López-Santana. Kneeling, Liam Campbell. Not pictured, Finn Riedl. Photo by Buzz McClain/Schar School of Policy and Government

Photo by Jennifer N. Victor/Schar School of Policy and Government

On a glorious late October morning, a few hundred business-attired guests strolled the flag-festooned South Lawn of the White House to help President and First Lady Joe and Jill Biden welcome Australia’s prime minister Anthony Albanese and his partner Jodie Haydon to the U.S. during the traditional Welcome Ceremony that accompanies official state visits.

Among the invited guests were 16 students from the undergraduate programs of the Schar School of Policy and Government at ��AV. They were accompanied by the faculty members who lead the four learning communities that bring students together with like-minded peers to share opportunities and experiences, including field trips like this one.

Mason’s Schar School is uniquely positioned for those interested in pursuing an education in government, international politics, public policy, and other fields that tackle the world’s largest problems. The university’s proximity to Washington, D.C., and its faculty and staff’s access to those in seats of power were amply demonstrated on this day, as President Biden stood at a podium about 50 yards from where the Schar School students stood listening to the welcome address.

“I love Washington, it’s my dream place,” said Sierra Hill, a first-year government and international politics major who came to Mason’s Fairfax Campus from her home in Gypsum, Colorado, a town of about 8,000 in the Vail Valley.

“I came to Washington to have these opportunities,” she said as the military bands on the other side of the security fencing played traditional marching music ahead of the president’s appearance. “The only way I was able to come out here was because of the scholarship that George Mason gave me. Mason took a chance on me, and I’m very grateful for that.”

For freshman government major Anastasia Rea, the ceremony at the White House had a meaning beyond those of her classmates: Her parents are Australian and, while she was born in the U.S., she has dual citizenship with Australia.

A newcomer to the area from Toledo, Ohio, Rea never expected to visit the White House grounds, especially not in her first semester of college. The thrill of the event, she said, “was mainly about going to the White House, but it being the prime minister from where my parents are from makes it more exciting.”

Sophomore government major Yousef Alakkad said his first visit to the home of the president “was a cool opportunity. Every other time I’ve come here, I’ve been on the other side of the fence [at Lafayette Square], so I can thank George Mason for getting me in.”

One of the benefits of joining the Schar School’s Democracy Lab learning community is exposure to events and experiences specific to legislative government, including meeting congressional leaders and enjoying networking opportunities. The group regularly travels around the Washington, D.C., area to visit key sites, including the U.S. Capitol, the U.S. Institute of Peace, and Smithsonian Museums.

Shad G. Karim, a native of Iraqi Kurdistan whose grandfather served in the Kurdish parliament, said the White House excursion was inspirational.

“Events like these are important,” he said, “especially for government majors because we are the future, we are the ones who are going to be working in government, in places like the White House and the different agencies. These events inspire college students, and it’s definitely inspired me to work harder.

“Hopefully, we get invited to more of these kind of events.”

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Schar School News for October 2023

Schar School Students Gain Valuable Insights at Council on Foreign Relations Visit

Andrew J Schappert — Tue, 02 May 2023 18:50:57 +0000

Schar School Students Gain Valuable Insights at Council on Foreign Relations Visit Andrew J Schappert Tue, 05/02/2023 - 14:50

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Schar School learning community students and their professors pose in front of the Council on Foreign Relations in Washington, D.C. Photo by Gretchen Curry/Schar School of Policy and Government

More than 30 students from three of the Schar School of Policy and Government’s student learning communities—Democracy Lab, Pillars of Research, and International Relations Policy Task Force—recently had the opportunity to visit the Council on Foreign Relations in Washington, D.C.

Founded in 1921, the Council on Foreign Relations is a leading U.S. think tank specializing in foreign policy and international relations. The Council is typically made up of secretaries of state, bankers, lawyers, academics, and others, who focus on issues promoting diplomacy, trade, military cooperation, and other challenges that affect national security in dozens of regions around the world.

Schar School students explored the Council's headquarters located near the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, which is adjacent to the White House. Students toured the expressively decorated building, where an array of murals and historical artifacts depict significant scenes from American history, including the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the signing of the Treaty of Paris, and the Battle of Gettysburg.

The students also had the privilege of meeting and engaging with Esther Brimmer, the James A. Binger senior fellow in global governance, and an expert on transatlantic relations and U.S. foreign policy. She shared insights on international organizations and her experience at the State Department. Students had the chance to discuss current events and foreign policy with Brimmer, gaining knowledge about potential career opportunities in international law and foreign policy-related fields.

Schar School senior Shafuq Naseem attended the visit and asked Brimmer about her experience.

“It was interesting to hear about topics I've learned about in courses at the Schar School being applied in a professional setting,” she said.

Caroline McCarry, assistant director of human resources at the Council, encouraged students to apply for the vast number of internships the think tank offers and also invited them to seek employment with the Council after they graduated from the Schar School.

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Schar School News May 2023

A Busy Day: Two Schar School Learning Communities Tour Capitol, DOJ

Andrew J Schappert — Thu, 30 Mar 2023 15:50:35 +0000

A Busy Day: Two Schar School Learning Communities Tour Capitol, DOJ Andrew J Schappert Thu, 03/30/2023 - 11:50

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Democracy Lab students take in the Rotunda of the Capitol building. Photo by Ron Aira/Creative Services

As the famed Washington, D.C., cherry blossoms reached their peak bloom on a chilly Friday in late March, two groups of students from the Schar School of Policy and Government made the trip from ��AV’s Fairfax Campus to destinations in the nation’s capital. The nearly 50-or-so undergraduates making the visits represented two Schar School learning communities: While Democracy Lab took to Capitol Hill, the Jurisprudence Learning Community spent most of the day at the U.S. Department of Justice.

Members of the Democracy Lab and Lab director Jennifer Victor, center in green, pose on the Capitol steps. Photo by Ron Aira/Creative Services

Democracy Lab Sees House Vote

With Congress in session, the day started with the Mason students seeing all 435 members of the House of Representatives at once on the House floor. For some, it was a dazzling sight.

“It’s crazy to see all of the people you see in the media right in front of you,” said first-year government and international politics (GVIP) major Zane Ryan-Hart, taking in the view. He and classmates were intrigued as they witnessed several floor votes take place, in effect moving proposals on their way into laws.

The tour, a first-time visit for most of the students, took in the Capitol Galleries, the majestic domed Rotunda, and the museum at the visitor center before dining in the Capitol cafeteria for lunch.

Robinson Professor of Public Affairs Steven Pearlstein and Schar School associate professor Jennifer Victor led the group and gave the students insights into political life on the Hill. The tour was joined by two current Schar School students currently interning in the House: GVIP major Aidan Jacobs works with U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-VA), and public administration major Will Dagle is appointed to the office of Zach Nunn (R-IA). The legislative interns gave the students insights as to how a congressional office works and how to land an internship on the Hill.

While some students arranged meetings with their home district representatives in advance, Connecticut native Joey Rizzo, a freshman majoring in public administration, unexpectedly met his representative Jim Himes (D-CN) in the Capitol’s marble hallway. “It was cool—I got to shake his hand,” Rizzo said. On second thought, “I should have taken a photo!”

Jonathan Wroblewski, principal deputy assistant attorney general, addresses the Jurisprudence Learning Community students at the Department of Justice. Photo by Buzz McClain/Schar School of Policy and Government

The tour ended with another missed photo opportunity involving a small dog: Students stopped to pet the adorable canine, but first asked the owner for permission. It turns out it was Deco, the French bulldog being walked by his owner, U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY). AOC and Deco appreciated the attention.

Federal Lawyers Meet with Jurisprudence LC

Attorney General Merrick Garland was on the agenda, but he was understandably caught up in headline-making decisions. Instead, 24 students from Mason’s Jurisprudence Learning Community (JPLC) visiting the Department of Justice on Pennsylvania Avenue spent the afternoon with Garland’s engaging chief of staff, Matt Klapper, enjoyed a surprise drop-in visit from Damian Williams, the U.S. Attorney for the very busy Southern District of New York, and experienced an extended question-and-answer session with Jonathan Wroblewski, principal deputy assistant attorney general and head of the Office of Legal Policy, the attorney general’s main policy advisor.

Those conversations came on the heels of the JPLC’s own visit to the Capitol where they had meetings in the Russell Senate Office Building with John Connolly, counsel to U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-HI), and Ryan Raybould, chief counsel to U.S. Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX).

Each meeting with distinguished attorneys provided new layers of understanding as to how the DOJ operates and how lawyers become federal authorities.

Klapper caught students’ attention when he revealed he began his career as a firefighter before dovetailing into advising for U.S. Sen. Cory Booker (D-NY). For his part, Williams was emphatic in stressing that the students should do “something that brings you joy” in the legal field. “I don’t do this for money,” the prosecutor said, “I do it for joy, for performing a public service.”

Wroblewski, a former adjunct at the George Mason School of Law (now the Antonin Scalia Law School), afforded an engaging conversation detailing a career in law, from how to determine the best practice suited for the would-be lawyer to how careers and their benchmarks for success change over time.

Sophomore GVIP student Miranda Céspedes, reflecting on her first visit to the wood-paneled rooms of the historic 1935 Art Deco building, said the federal attorneys confirmed that “I have various different avenues that I can go forward with once I get my law degree. It's definitely in my future,” she said.

Jurisprudence Learning Community students and JPLC director Ally Coll, center in white, pose for a parting shot at the DOJ. Photo by Buzz McClain/Schar School of Policy and Government

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Schar School News March 2023

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Michael V. Hayden Center for Intelligence Policy and International Security

Intelligence Q&A: The Audience Had Questions, Hayden Center Professors Had Answers

Andrew J Schappert — Mon, 13 Feb 2023 19:13:06 +0000

Intelligence Q&A: The Audience Had Questions, Hayden Center Professors Had Answers Andrew J Schappert Mon, 02/13/2023 - 14:13

Earlier this month, several Schar School of Policy and Government professors working in the Michael V. Hayden Center for Intelligence, Policy, and International Security took the stage at ��AV’s Van Metre Hall for a first-of-its-kind event: The entire program was devoted to questions from the audience. Some 165 audience members attended live, with another 300 watching via YouTube stream. (Distinguished Visiting Professor and former acting and deputy director of the CIA Michael Morell, who had been called away at the last minute, lost his internet connection early in the program.)

A Voice of America reporter interviews Michael V. Hayden ahead of the panel Q&A. Photos by John Hollis/Office of University Branding

Voice of America records Andrew McCabe before the Hayden Center’s forum.

The program was lively, informative, provocative, and, overall, a success. In less than two hours, the speakers covered countless compelling and timely topics as the audience led the direction of the conversation. What follows is a brief recap. You can see the replay here.

The first question was directed to the center’s founder and namesake, Michael V. Hayden, who was making his first on-stage appearance since suffering a stroke in 2018: “What is keeping you up at night these days?” His answer was succinct: “China, China, China.” Expressing his concerns about national security, he emphasized that the U.S. intelligence agencies need more information to accurately surmise China’s global intentions.

It has been a year since the Russian invasion of Ukraine started; an audience member wondered what the future holds for that beleaguered country and the international support it desperately needs. While talking about the role of the U.S. in defending Ukraine’s independence, Hayden said “we are good but we can do better…we should do more, not eventually but now.” He also predicted this spring to be hard for the country but reassured that Ukraine will eventually win.

A Schar School Democracy Lab Learning Community student expressed his concerns about the rampant theft of technology from U.S. sources and asked about the steps the country is taking to prevent it from happening. While it’s well-known that the cybersecurity industry has been growing steadily in the last few years and specialists are making significant advances, Visiting Professor and former CIA officer David Priess replied that “innovative government and innovative private sector is not enough. We need to cooperate with international partners.” To which Hayden Center Director and former CIA Chief of Staff Larry Pfeiffer encouraged students to explore technology “and don’t be afraid of it.”

Global tension abounds, particularly in China-Taiwan relations. In answering a question about that delicate hot spot, the intelligence experts on stage agreed that after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the probability of the escalation in China and Taiwan is much lower than it was a year ago. The sentiment delivered was that the U.S. should be in no rush to interfere in a meaningful manner.

Another Democracy Lab student wondered how U.S. intelligence is countering advances in foreign surveillance technology. Distinguished Visiting Professor Andrew McCabe, former acting director of the FBI, replied that the issue, “a slow-burning and considerable threat, hasn’t received the attention it deserves over the last 10 years or so. We’re very vulnerable to the tyranny of the urgent, so we run to the latest diplomatic kerfuffle.”

In short, government intelligence agencies, he suggested, struggle to advance in the way that private sector does and communication between public and private entities needs to be refined.

Of course, there was a Chinese spy balloon question. Surprisingly, the general opinion among these former intelligence leaders was that the entire situation was not that big of a deal and that the news media exaggerated it.

Hayden, for one, said “in this situation, [President Biden] did what he was supposed to do,” in shooting down the balloon and showing his support for the decisions made by those serving in his government.

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Michael V. Hayden

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Wait. A Parrot Named John Adams? Seven-Term U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly Pays a Visit to Democracy Lab

Andrew J Schappert — Tue, 08 Nov 2022 14:07:22 +0000

Wait. A Parrot Named John Adams? Seven-Term U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly Pays a Visit to Democracy Lab Andrew J Schappert Tue, 11/08/2022 - 09:07

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U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-VA) discussed his career in politics, current events, and his parrot named John Adams with students in the Schar School’s Democracy Lab. Photos by Ron Aira/Creative Services

Connolly: 'But the [close race] kind of liberated me in a way; I thought, if I lose my seat trying to do the right thing, well so be it.'

Some 25 students enrolled in the Schar School’s Democracy Lab learning community received a master class in “retail politics” the Friday before Election Day in the intimate auditorium of Eisenhower Hall on ��AV’s Fairfax Campus. Seven-term U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-VA) was the political science professor for the day, at the invitation of Schar School associate professor Jennifer N. Victor.

Connolly, who represents Virginia’s 11th District, kicked off the hour-plus session with a few general observations about the political landscape—November 8’s Election Day loomed large—and several personal anecdotes, including the news that that his household has a patriotically named pet parrot, John Adams.

Having served on the Fairfax Board of Supervisors prior to his time in Congress for 14 years, five of them as chairman, Connolly is well-versed in the kind of hands-on efforts local politicians are called on to make. “It makes no difference if you’re a Republican or Democrat to fill a pothole,” he suggested. “A career legislator” who has bypassed the local level of government “actually hasn’t done anything.”

Which brought up a question from the students in the audience, one of whom asked which is more important, local, state, or federal government? After considering the question, Connolly said none was more important than the other but “democracy is built from the ground up.” As an example, the politicizing of local school boards, formerly run by well-meaning parents who “just want the best for their kids and your kids,” are now being taken over by “idealogues” with political agendas.

Government and international politics major freshman Zane Ryan-Hart, began a well-intended question that was cut off immediately by the congressman. The offending phrase? “Given that your seat is safe…”

“No seat is safe!” Connolly said firmly. “And do you know why? Money.” Specifically, “dark money” that’s parachuted into campaigns from unknown sources. He gave examples of contests that were far tighter than they should be thanks for dark money sources paying for ads vilifying candidates.

Once Ryan-Hart got to ask his question—“what did running in a close election really teach you?”—Connolly recalled the lessons learned from his surprisingly tight race in 2010 in which he won by the narrowest of margins.

“Well, it didn’t change my values or my voting patterns,” he said. “Maybe change my communication tactics. But 2010 was an extreme example. The Tea Party was toxic, it really was. They were unpleasant people. But the [close race] kind of liberated me in a way; I thought, if I lose my seat trying to do the right thing, well so be it.”

Other conversation points included relations with Turkey, the mindset of politicians (“All politicians are Pavlovian: They respond to reward and punishment”), what can be done about divisive politics (“It’s going to require a catastrophic loss by the Republican party to clean out all that stuff”), the historic successes of the last congress, attending October’s Crimea Forum with Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, predictions for Tuesday’s elections (“We have a fighting chance to hold the Senate”), and his early experience in public speaking (“Catholic nuns are tough judges; be comfortable with yourself and be authentic”).

International Ukrainian first-year student Gabriella Grabovska, whose parents remain in her war-torn native country, thanked Connolly for his remarks about continuing bipartisan support for Ukraine and then took the opportunity to ask what can be done to improve funding of Mason which is located in his district?

“That’s a state question,” he replied. “But in my opinion, Virginia colleges have come a long way, and we should be proud of them all,” he said, naming several public colleges in the commonwealth. “But if I were running for governor, I’d run on a platform of supporting state universities” even more, he said, because an educated workforce benefits the population at large.

“This is fantastic and I’m just super glad I got the opportunity” to meet with Connolly, Ryan-Hart said after the talk. “He gave me some insight on what’s going on in Washington and insights on the actual campaigns and their issues.”

“Now that I'm 18, now that I'm a voter, and especially as an independent voter, asking candidates questions and knowing their stances on issues is really, really important,” said government and international politics major John Brennan IV. “And it's my first time since being a registered voter that I've been able to ask a genuine question [of a politician]. And the question I asked [about the viability of election deniers as candidates] I think was very important given our current state of the nation and country.”

Connolly continues conversations with Democracy Lab students after the event.

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Schar School News November 2022

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Ukrainian Freshman Joins Schar School Community, Looks Forward to ‘Whole New Life’

Andrew J Schappert — Tue, 18 Oct 2022 15:41:08 +0000

Ukrainian Freshman Joins Schar School Community, Looks Forward to ‘Whole New Life’ Andrew J Schappert Tue, 10/18/2022 - 11:41

Ukrainian student Gabriella Grabovska: ‘Sometimes, when my [Mason] friends see me, they will say, Slava Ukraini [Glory to Ukraine], and I’m so touched in this moment.’ Photos by Ron Aira/Creative Services

Gabriella Grabovska always dreamed of attending college in the United States. Working hard on her studies, the 17-year-old from Ukraine pored through lists of American colleges and set her sights on ��AV’s Schar School of Policy and Government.

“It seemed like it was the right fit,” she said. “The level of education, the community. It’s a perfect match for me.”

Grabovska felt the strong support of Mason Nation even before she set foot on campus.

Last February, she and her family left their home in Kyiv to travel to the town of Borodyanka. They had planned to return to Kyiv in a couple of days. However, the Russian invasion of Ukraine began and Borodyanka was bombed repeatedly. The barrage destroyed roads and bridges, eliminating any way out. Grabovska and her family were trapped without electricity or heat.

“It was one of the most difficult periods of my life because we had very limited amounts of food and water,” she said. “We were bombed every hour. We had no way to even call our relatives to let them know we were alive.”

She and her family managed to escape to Ternopil, where they remained for more than two months. They finally returned to Kyiv and Grabovska wrote about her terrifying experience in an Instagram post.

“So many people from George Mason supported me,” she said of the post. “They said that my story was eye-opening. They finally realized what the war was really like and I was so grateful to all of them because they started donating money to support Ukraine.”

A government and international politics major and member of the Democracy Lab learning community, she’s immersed herself in her classes, attended extracurricular and social events, and expanded her network of friends.

“I love the people here,” she said. “I’m really interested in talking to lots of people. I’m 100 percent extroverted so it was easy for me.”

One of her favorite courses is GOV 103, taught by Jennifer Victor, an associate professor who also serves as the director of the Democracy Lab. Grabovska recalls being inspired by one of Victor’s early lectures.

“For the first time in my entire life, I had this thought, I want to be her one day,” she said. “She is a professional in her area of interest. She is so energetic. She is always ready to answer our questions.”

One of Grabovska’s preferred spots on campus is the Johnson Center, especially in the evenings when the building buzzes with students.

“It’s kind of motivating to study there because everyone is typing and you’re like, I’ll do that too. I love it,” she said.

While Grabovska is “just looking forward to my whole new life,” the ongoing war in Ukraine and concerns about her family’s safety are never far from her thoughts. She talks to her parents daily.

“I read the news about Ukraine and the war every day,” she said. “I still get notifications about air alerts. So, when I see an air alert in Kyiv, I text my dad, Are you in a bomb shelter?”

Grabovska feels grateful that she is safe in the U.S. and able to pursue her education as a member of the Schar School community, many of whom are aware of what she has been through.

“Sometimes, when my friends see me, they will say, Slava Ukraini [Glory to Ukraine], and I’m so touched in this moment,” she said. “That’s so cool. They understand what’s going on and they support us. That’s just Mason Nation and I’m happy I ended up at this university.”

Grabovska’s journey to Mason was fraught with danger: ‘We were bombed every hour. We had no way to even call our relatives to let them know we were alive.’

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