UVA President Jim Ryan resigns amid federal ultimatum

Yahoo

3 hours ago

Jim Ryan is the ninth president of the University of Virginia. He joined the institution in 2018. (Courtesy of the University of Virginia)
In a stunning development that's igniting fierce political backlash, University of Virginia President Jim Ryan resigned Friday under pressure from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), which alleged the school had failed to fully dismantle its diversity, equity, and inclusion programs — a demand tied to a sweeping federal crackdown on higher education.
The New York Times first reported Ryan's resignation, citing DOJ claims that the institution had merely rebranded its DEI efforts instead of eliminating them. The university's Board of Visitors accepted his resignation, with Ryan expected to officially step down by Aug. 15.
Ryan said in a letter to the UVA community published late Friday that while he is motivated to fight for his beliefs and the university, he cannot oppose the federal government due to the potential impact on the institution.
'To do so would not only be quixotic but appear selfish and self-centered to the hundreds of employees who would lose their jobs, the researchers who would lose their funding, and the hundreds of students who could lose financial aid or have their visas withheld,' Ryan said in the letter, released Friday afternoon.
In a statement following Ryan's departure, a White House spokesperson didn't mention Ryan by name but said President Donald Trump's administration is working hard to eliminate DEI from society and put college leaders who oppose that mission on warning.
'That sham virtue signaling of DEI has no place in our country, and the Trump administration is working tirelessly to erase this divisive, backward, and unjust practice from our society,' said Harrison Fields, a spokesperson for the White House. 'Any university president willingly breaking federal civil rights laws will be met with the full force of the federal government, and it would behoove every school in America to prioritize the civil rights of every student and end DEI once and for all.'
Ryan's departure has sparked outrage on campus and across Virginia. A protest led by Wahoos4UVA, a group dedicated to defending the university from political influence, is scheduled at the Rotunda on Friday.
'This unprecedented political interference threatens the independence of our University and its fundamental values,' a letter from the chairs of Wahoos4UVA Advisory Council states.
'Whatever reason the Department of Justice gives for taking this action is only a pretext thinly masking a partisan agenda. What's happening is clear: the Trump administration has made UVA the next target in its escalating attack on higher education in America.'
UVA became the first public university in Virginia to dissolve its DEI office on March 8 after Trump's executive order warned of federal funding cuts for noncompliance.
Opponents of DEI argue hiring and promotions should be merit-based rather than consider race or gender. Supporters say DEI efforts are vital to addressing systematic inequities that have long blocked opportunities for women and people of color and women.
The school has also been under scrutiny for its handling of antisemitism complaints. UVA was among 60 colleges flagged in a federal inquiry over whether it adequately protected Jewish students, prompting additional concerns over potential funding losses. Sen. Creigh Deeds, D-Charlottesville, said during a call with reporters that he is disappointed with the decision. Deeds added that Ryan will not have a problem finding a job elsewhere, after creating a model for diversifying the student body at the university and for financial aid.
'You know, it does not surprise me that the Trump administration is so petty that they would go after a state that has rejected President Trump three times at the ballot box,' Deeds said. 'But it also does not surprise me that they'd go after a national leader at the University of Virginia, which is a national national leader as a school, but with Jim Ryan, who's also a national leader of higher education.'
Deeds along with his colleagues from Charlottesville, which is home to the university, said they are concerned this move by the Trump administration will set a precedent.
'I am afraid of what this means to all of our schools,' said Del. Amy Laufer, D-Albemarle.
Del. Katrina Callsen, D-Albemarle, added that while the news is currently focused on Ryan's departure, she expects the pressure to expand to the governing boards of Virginia's institutions, who are engaging in 'ideological battles' impacting colleges.
'If anyone needs to be submitting a resignation, I would urge them to look at themselves,' Callsen said. 'I would urge them to look at themselves and their role and what they are doing to our university and ask themselves that question.'
Virginia Senate Democrats condemned what they called federal overreach, urging university boards to 'resist any efforts by the Trump Admin to dictate how Virginia runs its own taxpayer-funded schools.'
Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell, D-Fairfax, wrote on X, formerly Twitter, that 'UVA is the envy of American public universities,' and called Ryan an 'incredible leader.' He added: 'Trump's interference in the operation of Virginia's universities and any cooperation by those sworn to protect them will not be tolerated by the Virginia Senate.'
U.S. Democratic Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine also blasted the DOJ's involvement, underscoring that Virginia's economy and prosperity depend on the strength and integrity of the state's higher education system.
'It is outrageous that officials in the Trump Department of Justice demanded the commonwealth's globally recognized university remove President Ryan — a strong leader who has served UVA honorably and moved the university forward — over ridiculous 'culture war' traps,' the senators stated.
'Decisions about UVA's leadership belong solely to its Board of Visitors, in keeping with Virginia's well-established and respected system of higher education governance. This is a mistake that hurts Virginia's future.' The Virginia State Conference NAACP, one of the largest civil rights organizations in the state, weighed in on Ryan's resignation — and its impetus — Friday afternoon, saying it raises 'serious concerns about political interference in our educational institutions and the very principles of justice that they are meant to uphold.'
'President Ryan, known for his commitment to enhancing diversity on campus and fostering community engagement, should not face political coercion for championing inclusive policies,' the group said in a statement.
The UVA Board of Visitors last met June 4-6. Its next meeting is scheduled for Sept. 11-12.
Ryan confirmed in his letter on Friday to the UVA community that he had already planned to leave the school next year, after the institution concluded its capital campaign and implemented nearly all of its major initiatives in UVA's strategic plan. Still, he expressed regret after his abrupt departure.
'This was an excruciatingly difficult decision, and I am heartbroken to be leaving this way,' Ryan wrote.
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