UVA Interim President Defends DOJ Agreement Before Virginia Lawmakers

He said the settlement preserves federal funding by adhering to DOJ guidance already reflected in UVA policy.

Overview

The October agreement with the Justice Department ends five civil-rights investigations into UVA’s admissions, hiring, DEI programs, and allegations of a hostile climate for Jewish students.
Paul Mahoney told a Senate subcommittee the deal includes no admission of wrongdoing, no financial penalties, and no external monitor.
Mahoney said rejecting a settlement could have jeopardized more than $450 million in research support and student aid, with potential impacts on medical research and clinical trials.
UVA must follow DOJ’s July 29 guidance, submit periodic compliance reports, and keep the pact in place through December 31, 2028, which Mahoney said aligns with internal guidance adopted earlier in 2025.
Lawmakers pressed for transparency as governance tensions continued, with Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger urging a pause in the presidential search and Governor Glenn Youngkin disputing her request.