Recently, George Mason University has unveiled a new logo. This is part of their rebranding that has been occurring over the past few years, starting in 2021. This logo strips us of the distinct, unique design we had previously. 

     President Gregory Washington says that this new logo will be the university's "reintroduction to the community," and be a symbol of the university's commitment towards its fundamental values. According to Washington, these values are "outstanding and rigorous academics, pragmatic career preparation and internships, flexibility and value, and an atmosphere of belonging for everyone.” However, I believe that this new symbol does not represent these values at all. I, as well as many other students, believe that this redesign is terrible, and will instead only make George Mason University fade into the background of people’s minds when it comes to setting itself apart with this corporate, over-sanitized logo that students have said "could be with PowerPoint in under 5 minutes."

     This new logo is intended to be the visual for all university units. While yes, there were surveys that suggested that there should be a new logo, we hoped for more creativity, as the prior had thought put into it, incorporating a quill into the M of Mason, or having a star shoot over the university name. Now, those will be discarded. Since they need to replace the branded materials, this will take away money that can be better spent elsewhere.

     President Washington talks about the idea of "All Together Different," yet this logo does not stand out or represent us at all. The aforementioned surveys show what WE believe we are, "An unconventional university that has risen to national prominence often by going against the grain, guided by our diversity, inclusivity, grit, and audacity." This logo instead strips us of this identity.

     One student part of the art department noted how upon its unveiling, the new design was discussed in class; both the students and professor agreed that it was not a good logo at all. Not only is the design aesthetically unappealing, it fails to communicate the values George Mason holds. Additionally, the logo wasn't designed by any student, faculty, or alumni. Rather, it was made by the company Ologie.

     On the first day of its display, students tried to voice their opinions on it by sticking notes onto the statue of the new logo. However, that night me and others watched as they took those notes off and ignored them. 

   Since its unveiling I have only heard bad things about the new design, both in conversation and in chatter I hear while passing by. Instead, we need to focus our comments to those in charge. With enough voices speaking together, it can be changed back, improved, or even designed by those who are a part of the university. A real representation of GMU. We cannot let this university ignore our words. We will not be silenced. We must speak up.