University of Virginia President James Ryan is resigning amid a federal investigation into the school’s diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs. The U.S. Department of Justice reportedly pushed for Ryan’s departure to resolve a civil rights case.
The investigation is tied to a broader federal review of DEI policies at public institutions, The New York Times reported. In particular, it focuses on whether the university complied with President Donald Trump’s executive orders aimed at dismantling DEI initiatives in federal agencies and schools that receive federal funding.
Trump has taken aim at higher education in general since returning to the White House in January, accusing universities of being too liberal and of silencing conservative voices through DEI initiatives.
DOJ pressure leads to UVA president’s resignation
Ryan, UVA’s president since 2018, announced to his staff on Friday, June 27, that he will leave his post by August. He had intended to stay in the job another year, Axios reported.
In a joint statement, Democratic U.S. Sens. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine of Virginia expressed disappointment with Ryan’s resignation, saying it was driven by pressure from Trump administration officials.
“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 said. “This is a mistake that hurts Virginia’s future.”
Review targets compliance with Trump’s orders
The federal investigation began in response to a complaint from America First Legal, a conservative nonprofit founded by Stephen Miller, Trump’s deputy chief of staff. In May, the group said in a letter to the Justice Department that UVA continued to operate allegedly discriminatory programs under the banner of DEI. The complaint said the university did not dismantle its DEI programs as Trump directed, but instead rebranded them to avoid scrutiny.
The group cited UVA’s leadership development programs and student affinity groups as evidence of race- and identity-based distinctions.
UVA could lose federal funding
Like many other universities, UVA relies heavily on federal grants and appropriations. In the 2023 fiscal year, for example, it received $198.5 million from the National Institutes of Health, including $174.2 million for its medical school.
Federal funding would be in jeopardy if the government finds it in violation of federal civil rights law. Under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, institutions that receive federal money must not discriminate based on race, color or national origin. Institutions such as Harvard University, Northwestern University, the University of Maryland and Cornell University already have faced financial penalties imposed by the Trump administration.
UVA board moved to align with federal orders
In March, UVA’s Board of Visitors voted to close the university’s DEI office, citing Trump’s executive orders. The resolution passed with broad support and called for a review of related programs to ensure compliance with federal guidance.
Board members have reportedly met with the Justice Department in an effort to protect the school’s federal funding. Several of those involved in the talks were appointed by Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, a Republican. The New York Times reported that some had accused Ryan of trying to impose his values on students and of being “too woke.”
The Times cited three people with direct knowledge who said the Justice Department made it clear that Ryan would need to step aside as part of any resolution.
