UVA President Jim Ryan Resigns Amid Federal Pressure Over DEI Policies

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA — June 27, 2025 University of Virginia President James E. Ryan has announced his resignation following pressure from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) concerning the university's diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Sources indicate that DOJ officials had previously expressed a desire for Ryan to step down due to the university's DEI programs, which have come under investigation as part of broader efforts by the Trump administration to scrutinize such initiatives in higher education.

Ryan, who has served as UVA's president since 2018, had initially planned to remain in his position through the upcoming academic year. However, the DOJ concluded that he was negotiating in "bad faith" regarding the potential rollback of the university's DEI policies, leading to increased pressure for his resignation.

This development underscores the ongoing conflict between the Trump administration and leading U.S. academic institutions, particularly regarding issues of social policy and university governance. Ryan's resignation marks a significant moment in the administration's efforts to reshape university policies aligned with its federal directives.

Ryan's tenure at UVA was marked by initiatives aimed at increasing accessibility and affordability, including scholarships for in-state undergraduates from low-income families. His departure adds to the broader national debate over the role of DEI programs in higher education and the extent of federal influence on university policies.

*Sources: *https://www.axios.com/2025/06/27/university-virginia-james-ryan-trump-dei