University of Virginia President James Ryan Resigns Amid Pressure Over DEI Programs
University of Virginia President James Ryan announced his resignation on Friday, citing mounting pressure from the U.S. Department of Justice and threats to federal funding over the university’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
Doing so would be quixotic, and would put at risk the jobs of hundreds of employees, research funding, student aid, and even the immigration status of many students.”
While Ryan did not provide an effective date for his resignation, the move comes amid an escalating conflict between federal authorities and academic institutions regarding DEI programs.
Targeted by Trump-Era Policies and DOJ Scrutiny
The Trump administration has intensified its scrutiny of DEI policies across the country, including in universities, government agencies, and private companies. These efforts are part of a broader push to eliminate what the administration calls “discriminatory” programs that give preference based on race, ethnicity, gender, or national origin.
Ryan’s resignation follows growing pressure from the U.S. Department of Justice, which has been reviewing UVA’s compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.
The DOJ sent letters to UVA three months ago requesting confirmation that the university was adhering to federal bans on affirmative action. However, according to DOJ Civil Rights Division Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon, the university repeatedly requested extensions and failed to provide the requested assurances.
Dhillon said she communicated to UVA leadership that she had “no confidence” Ryan would dismantle DEI programs as required under federal law. “Jim Ryan has built his entire academic career around DEI,” she said. “Now that the law has shifted, it’s time for leadership that will comply.”
In March, UVA’s Board of Visitors voted unanimously to disband its Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Community Partnerships. But according to Dhillon, the changes were largely symbolic, and the university continued to use “euphemisms” to rebrand the same initiatives that violate federal law.
Conservative Groups Applaud, Critics Condemn
Ryan’s departure was first reported by The New York Times, which revealed the role of conservative legal groups in escalating pressure on the university. America First Legal, a group founded by former Trump adviser Stephen Miller, submitted a formal complaint to the DOJ in May, alleging that UVA’s DEI efforts violated federal civil rights laws and Supreme Court rulings.
“The university is operating programs based on race, sex, and other impermissible traits under the pretext of DEI,” said America First Legal counsel Megan Redshaw.
The DOJ echoed that sentiment. “We welcome leadership changes in higher education that reflect a commitment to our nation’s civil rights laws,” a department spokesperson said.
UVA Community and Leaders React
Robert Hardie, Rector of the University of Virginia, expressed “profound sadness” at Ryan’s resignation and praised his legacy.
“He has led our institution to unprecedented heights, always with grace and humility,” Hardie said. “We are deeply grateful for his exceptional leadership, especially through crises like the global pandemic.”
Governor Glenn Youngkin, who has pushed to eliminate DEI initiatives at the state level, also acknowledged Ryan’s service while looking ahead to a new chapter.
Yet Ryan’s resignation triggered significant backlash from both students and political leaders.
On Friday, dozens of protesters gathered on campus to express support for Ryan, waving signs and chanting “We love Jim!” When Ryan approached the group, they greeted him with applause.
“I really appreciate this,” Ryan told them. “You all are the ones who make this university great. It has been an honor to serve, and I will continue to support this institution however I can.”
Some demonstrators said the pressure from the DOJ amounted to government overreach “The federal government is inserting itself into matters that should be under the university’s governance.”
Political Leaders Condemn Federal Pressure
U.S. Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, both Democrats from Virginia, condemned the Justice Department’s role in Ryan’s departure. In a joint statement, they called the situation “outrageous.”
“It is unacceptable that the Trump DOJ forced out a capable and respected university leader over political ideology,” they said. “Decisions about leadership should rest with the university’s Board of Visitors, not federal bureaucrats with political agendas.”
A National Trend
UVA is not alone in facing federal scrutiny. In February, the Department of Education threatened to pull funding from any institution that continued to operate DEI programs in defiance of recent federal guidance. Many colleges and universities have since removed DEI language from websites, eliminated programs, or restructured offices to avoid losing critical funding.
Former President Trump has made rolling back DEI programs a major policy goal in his second term, arguing that such efforts foster division rather than inclusion. “DEI creates and amplifies prejudice,” Trump said during his 2024 campaign. His administration has maintained that these programs violate federal laws and Supreme Court rulings, especially following the Court’s 2023 decision ending race-based affirmative action in college admissions.
Proponents of DEI have pushed back strongly, arguing that such programs help foster more inclusive learning environments and promote cross-cultural understanding. Numerous studies have shown that exposure to diversity in college settings improves students’ civic engagement and broadens their worldviews.
Despite the backlash, the movement to dismantle DEI appears to be gaining momentum under the current administration. With Ryan’s resignation, one of the nation’s top public universities has become the latest flashpoint in a national debate over the future of higher education, equity, and civil rights.