UVA President Jim Ryan resigns after pressure from DOJ

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — James Ryan, the president of the University of Virginia (UVA), has reportedly shared plans to resign later this year.

The New York Times broke the news in the morning on Friday, June 27, reporting that Ryan had informed the university’s Board of Visitors of his plans to resign in August. A day earlier, the publication reported that the U.S. Department of Justice had called on Ryan to resign.

In response to the news, U.S. Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine (D-Va.) released a joint statement, criticizing pressure from the DOJ:

“Virginia’s economy and prosperity depend on the strength and integrity of our higher education system. 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. Decisions about UVA’s leadership belong solely to its Board of Visitors, in keeping with Virginia’s well-established and respected system of higher education governance. This is a mistake that hurts Virginia’s future.”

Sen. Mark Warner and Sen. Tim Kaine

Kaine said his staff had confirmed the information on Ryan’s resignation independently after communicating with UVA officials. He appointed members to the university’s Board of Visitors when he was governor in 2008.

The Virginia NAACP also issued a statement, which reads as follows:

“The NAACP Virginia State Conference expresses its outrage regarding reports that the Trump administration’s Justice Department pressured the University of Virginia (UVA) President James Ryan to resign. This alarming development raises serious concerns about political interference in our educational institutions and the very principles of justice that they are meant to uphold.

President Ryan, known for his commitment to enhancing diversity on campus and fostering community engagement, should not face political coercion for championing inclusive policies. The Justice Department is tasked with protecting all individuals, regardless of race, background, or beliefs. Justice should not mean Just-US; it must serve all of society.

Rev. Cozy Bailey, President, stated, “This unprecedented attack on President Ryan underscores a troubling trend where political interests undermine our fundamental values of diversity and inclusion. We stand firmly against any effort to dismantle the progress we have fought so hard to achieve. The future of our institutions depends on their ability to embrace and promote diversity, not retreat from it.”

The NAACP Virginia State Conference calls on all stakeholders to stand in solidarity against these pressures and to protect the essential values that promote equity and justice within our educational systems.”

Virginia NAACP

The Trump administration has clashed with college leadership across the country on several issues during his latest term — including making targeted efforts against school equity efforts.

8News has made multiple inquiries to officials with the DOJ, but has not yet received a response.

This is a developing story, stay with 8News for updates.