University of Virginia president James Ryan, who has long sounded critical notes about standardized testing, is out. The university’s board approved his decision. He drew heavy, right-leaning fire when he did not succeed in banning Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies. This backlash caused him to resign after the federal government began issuing very direct federal mandates. Ryan’s exit is a momentous occasion within the backdrop of this disgust, investigation, and crusade to completely re-form universities across America to the demands of right-wing politics.
After a troubling pattern of actions and statements, this resignation is needed. These actions point to a larger national effort to rid Ivy League institutions—and eventually, elite universities of all kinds—of DEI programs. In an email to the university community, Ryan announced that he would be resigning. Through these moves and others, his desire is to not have the institution face a government retaliatory strike.
Context of Resignation
Yet Ryan’s start as president, in 2018, coincided with a growing chorus of criticism from lawmakers and advocacy groups from both sides of the aisle. The Trump administration has been particularly vocal, aiming to reshape higher education by attacking diversity initiatives. Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin declared unequivocally that “DEI is done at the University of Virginia,” highlighting the administration’s stance against these policies.
In a letter addressed to the Justice Department, America First Legal criticized the university’s actions, claiming that it attempted to “rename, repackage, and redeploy the same unlawful infrastructure under a lexicon of euphemisms.” This is indicative of a larger frustration among conservatives that public universities have become breeding grounds for leftist ideology.
Before Ryan’s eventual departure, Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine issued their disapproval of the anticipated move. They argue that it’s nothing short of a “blunder that damages Virginia’s long-term interests.” They expressed concern about the effects this change in leadership may have on the university’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity.
Federal Pressure and Political Landscape
The stick in terms of pressure from the federal government has been immense. Indeed, the Justice Department has below a formal investigation into College of California. They are looking at how the institution is using diversity standards in the process. And though the Trump administration is knee-deep in scrutinizing hiring and enrollment practices. Importantly, they seek to respond to criticisms that these practices discriminate against people of color and/or ideological opponents.
American Council on Education President Ted Mitchell harshly rebuked Ryan’s firing. He referred to it as thuggery in place of reasoned debate, warning that this isn’t the end of the use of these and other tools by the administration to bend institutions of higher education to their will. He stated, “It’s clear the administration is not done and will use every tool that it can make or invent to exert its will over higher education.”
The political climate around higher education has grown much more fraught since then. Many colleges and universities are under fire for their DEI. Megan Redshaw, a spokesperson for America First Legal, encapsulated the situation by stating, “This week’s developments make clear: public universities that accept federal funds do not have a license to violate the Constitution.” She added that institutions do not have the authority to “impose ideological loyalty tests, enforce race and sex-based preferences, or defy lawful executive authority.”
Future Implications
Ryan’s resignation is a tremendous loss for the University of Virginia. It underscores a larger trend that has been rattling the foundation of higher education nationwide. His departure signals a potential shift in how universities navigate federal regulations and manage DEI policies in light of increasing political pressure.
Institutions are dealing with some heavy stuff. Almost everyone is asking how they should change to continue living up to their stated values with respect to diversity while keeping in line with government orders. The group involved in Ryan’s ouster has pledged to continue its campaign against what it deems discriminatory systems within universities.
