University of Virginia (UVA) President James E. Ryan has informed the school’s governing board that he will resign.
His decision follows growing pressure from Department of Justice (DOJ) officials over the university’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, The Washington Post reports.
The Trump-aligned DOJ reportedly made it clear they expected Ryan to step down, escalating tensions between political leaders and higher education institutions caught in the crossfire of ideological battles over DEI, according to the outlet.
Controversy Over The Dissolution Of UVA’s DEI Office
In March, UVA’s Board of Visitors, largely appointed by Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin, voted to dismantle the university’s DEI office.
This move aligned with federal efforts aimed at removing DEI programs from public institutions while allowing for the reassignment of “permissible” elements within the university. Officials were required to provide a report on compliance within 30 days.
Critics argued that Ryan sought to rebrand DEI efforts rather than eliminate them, sparking backlash from conservative groups who viewed his approach as noncompliant with the board’s directive, according to The Post.
The situation escalated in April when the DOJ sent a letter demanding transparency on how UVA was phasing out DEI-related roles and programs, the outlet reported.
The letter, signed by Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon and Deputy Assistant Attorney General Gregory W. Brown, requested detailed documentation on staffing changes and departmental actions, highlighting how universities are increasingly entwined in broader political disputes.
Political Backlash And What Ryan’s Departure Means for Higher Education
Pressure mounted when the Jefferson Council, a conservative alum group, ran a full-page ad in the Richmond Times-Dispatch calling for Ryan’s removal. The group accused him of failing to enforce the board’s resolution and claimed his leadership compromised UVA’s founding principles, according to the Washington Post.
Democratic lawmakers pushed back against federal interference, with U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine emphasizing that leadership decisions belong to the University of Virginia’s Board of Visitors. Virginia Senate Majority Leader Scott A. Surovell praised Ryan’s leadership and condemned political meddling in public universities.
Ryan, who has served as UVA president since 2018, was widely recognized for his fundraising ability and strong connections with students, faculty, and alums, The Post describes. His visible presence on campus made him a familiar and respected figure.
His resignation highlights the increasing pressures university leaders face amid politically charged debates over DEI and institutional autonomy. As federal and state scrutiny of diversity programs intensifies, Ryan’s departure may foreshadow further leadership changes at public universities nationwide, underscoring how higher education remains a frontline in America’s culture wars.
