Latest news with #JimRyan
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
US university leader resigns amid pressure over diversity programs
The head of a prestigious US public university resigned Friday amid pressure over his alleged failure to curb diversity programs, the latest salvo in the Trump administration's war on academia. The Department of Justice had privately pressured the University of Virginia to fire its president to help resolve a probe of its diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, according to the New York Times, which broke the story late Thursday. It had reportedly threatened to withhold hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding. "I cannot make a unilateral decision to fight the federal government in order to save my own job," UVA President Jim Ryan said in a statement Friday. Ryan wrote that risking federal funding cuts by staying in his role "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 took the helm of the elite University of Virginia in 2018, a year after white supremacists marched with flaming torches through its campus amid heated debate over the removal of some Confederate monuments in southern states. Ryan's efforts to make the school more diverse and increase the number of first-generation university students reportedly rankled some conservative alumni. "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," Virginia's two Democratic senators, Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, said in statement. Trump is attacking US universities and other sources of what he sees as left-leaning power in the country as he moves to exert unprecedented presidential control over life in America. A top area of conflict has been "diversity, equity and inclusion," or DEI, programs that sought to correct historic demographic inequity in admissions and funding, but have been criticized as unfair to otherwise well-qualified candidates. Trump notably piled pressure on Harvard University, seeking to ban it from having foreign students, slashing more than $3 billion in grants and contracts, and challenging its tax-free status. Some observers said Friday's developments were an alarming sign for public universities, which are particularly reliant on state and federal funding. "Ryan's resignation portends a future in which all public university presidents must conform to the political views of their state's leadership or be kicked out of office," wrote Inside Higher Ed, an online publication about education. ksb/sla
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
UVA President Jim Ryan resigns amid federal ultimatum
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. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Economic Times
11 hours ago
- Business
- Economic Times
Could Disney stock surge? Analysts raise price targets after strong earnings
Disney is experiencing a surge of analyst optimism, with firms like Guggenheim and Rosenblatt setting price targets as high as $140. This bullish outlook follows Disney's strong earnings report for the quarter ending May 7, exceeding expectations with $1.45 earnings per share and $23.62 billion in revenue. The average analyst price target now stands at $124. FILE PHOTO: A screen shows the logo and a ticker symbol for The Walt Disney Company on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in New York, U.S., December 14, 2017. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid/File Photo Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Wall Street Is Getting Bullish on Disney Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Disney's Strong Earnings Spark Optimism FAQs Walt Disney is attracting growing attention from analysts, as several major firms have recently raised their price targets for the entertainment giant, signalling increased confidence in the company's performance and future prospects, as per a the global investment and advisory financial services firm Guggenheim upped its price target for Disney's shares to $140 from $120, as per a report by Benzinga. Guggenheim's analysts have currently rated the entertainment giant's stock as "buy", and the investment firm's target price indicates a potential increase of 15% from the company's previous close, according to a report by Market was among the first to adjust its outlook, raising its price target from $115 to $120 and assigning an 'overweight' rating in a May 8 report, as per Market Beat. That same day, Morgan Stanley echoed the sentiment, also lifting its target from $110 to $120 with an 'overweight' rating, according to the READ: What can fans expect from the new Sonic the Hedgehog and Magic: The Gathering collaboration? UBS Group followed suit, boosting its target price from $105 to $120 and issuing a 'buy' rating, while Loop Capital went a step further, upping its estimate from $125 to $130 in a June 10 report and maintaining a 'buy' rating, according to the Market Beat Securities also weighed in, increasing its target from $135 to $140 on June 3 and giving Disney a 'buy' rating, which matches Guggenheim's latest move to the same $140 target, as per the Market Beat the broader analyst consensus paints a fairly optimistic picture, and according to the data compiled by Market Beat, six analysts currently rate Disney a 'hold,' while 17 say 'buy,' and two have gone as far as to label it a 'strong buy' for Disney stock, as per the report. As per Market Beat's analysis, the average price target across all firms now sits at $124.79 and has an average rating of "Moderate Buy", suggesting analysts see more upside ahead for Disney stock, according to the READ: UVA's Jim Ryan resigns under DOJ heat — who is the University of Virginia president at the center of the storm? The increase in price target comes after Walt Disney posted better-than-expected earnings for the quarter ending May 7, giving investors more confidence in the company, as per the Market Beat posted $1.45 earnings per share for the quarter, above the consensus estimate of $1.21 by $0.24, according to the report. The entertainment giant also reported a revenue of $23.62 billion for the quarter, which beat analysts' expectations of $23.15 billion, as reported by Market Beat. Equities research analysts have predicted that Walt Disney will report 5.47 earnings per share for the current year, according to the Market Beat READ: Pornhub, XNXX in panic? US Supreme Court ruling lets states crack down on online adult content access Guggenheim and Rosenblatt both set it at $ currently sits at $124.79, according to MarketBeat.
Time of India
11 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Could Disney stock surge? Analysts raise price targets after strong earnings
Wall Street Is Getting Bullish on Disney Live Events Disney's Strong Earnings Spark Optimism FAQs (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel Walt Disney is attracting growing attention from analysts, as several major firms have recently raised their price targets for the entertainment giant, signalling increased confidence in the company's performance and future prospects, as per a the global investment and advisory financial services firm Guggenheim upped its price target for Disney's shares to $140 from $120, as per a report by Benzinga. Guggenheim's analysts have currently rated the entertainment giant's stock as "buy", and the investment firm's target price indicates a potential increase of 15% from the company's previous close, according to a report by Market was among the first to adjust its outlook, raising its price target from $115 to $120 and assigning an 'overweight' rating in a May 8 report, as per Market Beat. That same day, Morgan Stanley echoed the sentiment, also lifting its target from $110 to $120 with an 'overweight' rating, according to the READ: What can fans expect from the new Sonic the Hedgehog and Magic: The Gathering collaboration? UBS Group followed suit, boosting its target price from $105 to $120 and issuing a 'buy' rating, while Loop Capital went a step further, upping its estimate from $125 to $130 in a June 10 report and maintaining a 'buy' rating, according to the Market Beat Securities also weighed in, increasing its target from $135 to $140 on June 3 and giving Disney a 'buy' rating, which matches Guggenheim's latest move to the same $140 target, as per the Market Beat the broader analyst consensus paints a fairly optimistic picture, and according to the data compiled by Market Beat, six analysts currently rate Disney a 'hold,' while 17 say 'buy,' and two have gone as far as to label it a 'strong buy' for Disney stock, as per the report. As per Market Beat's analysis, the average price target across all firms now sits at $124.79 and has an average rating of "Moderate Buy", suggesting analysts see more upside ahead for Disney stock, according to the READ: UVA's Jim Ryan resigns under DOJ heat — who is the University of Virginia president at the center of the storm? The increase in price target comes after Walt Disney posted better-than-expected earnings for the quarter ending May 7, giving investors more confidence in the company, as per the Market Beat posted $1.45 earnings per share for the quarter, above the consensus estimate of $1.21 by $0.24, according to the report. The entertainment giant also reported a revenue of $23.62 billion for the quarter, which beat analysts' expectations of $23.15 billion, as reported by Market Beat. Equities research analysts have predicted that Walt Disney will report 5.47 earnings per share for the current year, according to the Market Beat READ: Pornhub, XNXX in panic? US Supreme Court ruling lets states crack down on online adult content access Guggenheim and Rosenblatt both set it at $ currently sits at $124.79, according to MarketBeat.
Hindustan Times
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Trump-Jeffrey Epstein dancing sculpture mysteriously appears on National Mall
The White House has strongly condemned a controversial sculpture that recently appeared on the National Mall in Washington, DC. The artwork, depicting President Donald Trump dancing alongside convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, has sparked outrage and drawn sharp criticism from officials. This golden television sculpture follows another anti-Trump installation that was unveiled on the National Mall just a week earlier. The National Mall witnessed another controversial sculpture where Trump is dancing with Jeffrey Epstein.(X) Also Read: Jim Ryan resigns: Here's what led to UVA president's decision - timeline of events The sculpture of a golden television shows clips of the president dancing in different locations and is adorned with a bald eagle. In one of the clips displayed on the TV, Trump was seen dancing next to Epstein, who was charged with sex trafficking minors in 2019. A plaque that rests at the base of the statue reads, 'In the United States of America you have the freedom to display your so-called art, no matter how ugly it is.' — The Trump White House, June 2025," as reported by the Irish Star. Since the controversial sculpture was placed directly in the view of Capitol Hill, the White House lashed out at the mysterious House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson told the Washington Post, 'Wow, these liberal activists masquerading as 'artists,' are dumber than I thought!' She added, 'I've tricked them into taking down their ugly sculpture and replacing it with a beautiful video of the President's legendary dance moves that will bring joy and inspiration to all tourists traversing our National Mall. Thank you for your attention to this matter! Maybe they will put this on their next sculpture.' Also Read: Jim Ryan resigns: Here's what led to UVA president's decision - timeline of events Who is the artist behind these anti-Trump sculptures? The artist behind these sculptures is yet to be identified. According to the organizer's permit application filed with the National Park Service, the artwork aims 'to demonstrate freedom of speech and artistic expression using political imagery,' as reported by The Post. Earlier this month, another provocative piece titled Dictator Approved appeared on the National Mall. It was an 8-foot-tall sculpture featuring a giant thumbs-up crushing the head of the Statue of Liberty.
