University President Resigns Amid DOJ Pressure to Dismantle DEI Programs!

2025-06-28 00:01:03.854

University of Virginia President James Ryan announced his resignation on Friday, succumbing to pressure from the US Department of Justice (DOJ) to dismantle the university's diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. Ryan stated his resignation was an "excruciatingly difficult decision," citing the university's legal battle with the Trump administration and the potential loss of federal funding. He expressed concern for the hundreds of employees, researchers, and students who would be affected. The DOJ's actions stem from a review of the university's compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, and national origin. America First Legal, a conservative group, alleged that UVA's DEI programs violated federal law, even after the university's Board of Visitors voted to scrap its Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Community Partnerships. The DOJ welcomed the leadership change, asserting a zero-tolerance policy toward illegal discrimination in publicly-funded universities. Ryan's resignation drew criticism from various political leaders and the university community, with protests erupting on campus. Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine condemned the DOJ's actions, emphasizing that decisions regarding university leadership should rest solely with the Board of Visitors. The incident highlights the broader national debate surrounding DEI programs in higher education, with the Trump administration actively targeting such initiatives.