The Trump administration is swinging hard at the University of Virginia, demanding the ouster of President James E. Ryan over his diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.
Fox News reported that the Justice Department’s probe into UVA’s DEI initiatives accuses Ryan of failing to eliminate these programs and misrepresenting efforts to comply with federal directives.
This marks the first time the administration has pushed for a university president’s removal, setting a precedent that could rattle ivory towers nationwide. The New York Times broke the story, citing insiders familiar with the matter.
Ryan, hired as UVA’s president in 2018, has made diversity a cornerstone of his tenure, focusing on recruiting first-generation students and boosting community service.
Conservative alumni and Republican board members, however, aren’t impressed, branding him “too woke” and accusing him of forcing his beliefs on students. The clash highlights a broader cultural battle over the role of ideology in education.
Over the past month, Gregory Brown, deputy assistant attorney general for civil rights, has repeatedly called UVA officials, insisting Ryan must go. Brown, a UVA graduate, bluntly told a university representative last week that Ryan’s removal was a prerequisite for launching an investigation. It’s a power play that underscores the administration’s resolve to root out DEI.
Harmeet K. Dhillon, the Justice Department’s top civil rights lawyer and a UVA law school alum who studied with Ryan, is also in the mix, negotiating with the university. Her involvement adds a personal twist, given her shared history with Ryan. The pressure is mounting, and UVA’s leadership is caught in a political vise.
The federal government has already slashed billions in funding from elite universities like Harvard, targeting DEI initiatives, admissions practices, and alleged antisemitism.
UVA now finds itself in the crosshairs, with the Justice Department signaling zero tolerance for what it sees as defiance. Ryan’s reluctance to fully dismantle DEI programs has only fueled the fire.
Conservative groups are circling, accusing Ryan of dragging his feet on compliance with Trump’s anti-DEI directives. America First Legal, founded by Trump advisor Stephen Miller, slammed UVA last month for allegedly rebranding DEI programs to dodge federal mandates. “Rebranding discrimination doesn’t make it legal,” said Megan Redshaw, an attorney at the nonprofit.
Redshaw’s quip cuts to the core of conservative frustration: relabeling DEI initiatives is just a slick trick to keep them alive.
“Changing a label doesn’t change the substance,” she added, calling UVA’s moves a deliberate sidestep of the law. It’s a zinger that resonates with those fed up with bureaucratic gamesmanship.
UVA’s conservative critics argue Ryan’s leadership has veered too far left, alienating those who want a return to merit-based education.
His prior role as dean of the Harvard Graduate School of Education, where he championed DEI, only fuels their skepticism. To them, Ryan’s track record screams progressive activism, not academic neutrality.
Ryan’s focus on diversity has undeniably shaped UVA’s culture, but it’s now a lightning rod for controversy. His efforts to recruit first-generation students and promote community service were once praised but are now seen by conservatives as part of a broader “woke” agenda. The criticism stings, but Ryan’s supporters argue he’s simply adapting to a changing world.
The Justice Department’s demands put Ryan in an impossible spot: comply and alienate his base or resist and risk his job. The administration’s push to oust him suggests they see him as a symbol of resistance to their broader anti-DEI crusade. It’s a high-stakes standoff with no easy resolution.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the Justice Department, UVA, and Ryan for comment, but responses are pending. The silence from UVA’s camp speaks volumes, hinting at the tension behind closed doors. Meanwhile, the conservative base is watching closely, eager for a win in this cultural tug-of-war.
This showdown at UVA is just the opening salvo in Trump’s war on DEI in higher education. By targeting a prominent university president, the administration is sending a clear message: no one is untouchable. Other universities are likely taking notes, wary of similar scrutiny.
The involvement of UVA graduates like Brown and Dhillon adds a layer of irony, as alumni turn on their alma mater’s leadership. Their insider knowledge of UVA’s culture may give the Justice Department an edge in this fight. It’s a reminder that loyalty to principle can trump school ties.
