TL/DR –
The University of Virginia (UVa) has allegedly failed to meet Department of Justice deadlines to provide evidence of dismantling diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, instead possibly rebranding these programs. The university’s board of visitors, composed mostly of Republican appointees, had previously voted to end DEI programs. Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell has warned the board not to elect a new president too soon, as if Democrats win the fall elections, they could install a new board majority.
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A retired state college president once told me that governing board members, although accomplished in their fields, often failed to apply those skills on college boards. Recent events at the University of Virginia highlight the need for change. The Jefferson Council, a conservatives alumni group, alleged that the university failed to meet Department of Justice deadlines to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon stated that the university may have merely rebranded these programs to evade federal investigators.
It raises questions about the involvement of the board in this situation. If they agreed with the Department of Justice, why weren’t they the ones demanding compliance or resignation from the now-resigned President James Ryan? The board’s reaction seems peculiar, especially considering that it largely consists of Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s appointees.
Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell, D-Fairfax County, cautioned the board against swiftly selecting a new president. This is because Democrats could install a new majority on the board if they win upcoming elections, which would require rejecting Youngkin’s latest appointments.
Regardless of personal views, it’s apparent that college boards have become a political issue. This marks a stark contrast to the past when colleges were considered above such matters. The current partisan political climate has led to unforeseen scenarios where Democrats are threatening to block Republican appointees to expedite an ideological overhaul of the board.
1. All this is unprecedented.
This is the first time the federal government has forced out a state university’s president, and the majority party in the legislature has threatened to block the governor’s board appointments.
2. Richmond mirrors Washington.
This situation resembles the national incident when Mitch McConnell refused to vote on President Obama’s Supreme Court nomination, allowing President Trump to make his own nomination post-election.
3. Virginia’s appointment process is outdated.
In Virginia, gubernatorial appointees take office immediately, with confirmation votes occurring up to a year later. This can result in heated debates about the status of appointees, such as the recent dispute over Ken Cuccinelli.
4. Surovell’s warning extends to Virginia Military Institute.
Surovell’s note of caution to not hastily hire a leader due to potential board transformations also applies to VMI, where the search for a new leader is ongoing under controversial circumstances.
5. Ryan had no grounds to oppose the Trump administration.
It is unrealistic to expect a college president of a state school in Virginia to battle the federal government, especially given the Republican board governance and state attorney general’s office.
6. Eradicating DEI from a university is challenging.
Regardless of the governor’s or president’s decree, there is likely significant support for DEI within universities. Effectively removing DEI programs would be a complex undertaking given the numerous power centers embedded within a university setting.
7. The specifics remain unclear.
We are yet to understand precisely what UVa was doing related to DEI. A comprehensive report would help us understand the specifics and not just slogans.
8. Virginia Democrats need a clear stance on resisting Trump.
Virginia Democrats voiced their opposition against the Trump administration’s involvement in the resignation of Ryan. However, the practical implications of this resistance, particularly in terms of costs, need to be considered.
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