Overview

• The Department of Justice issued letters in April and June demanding proof that UVA dismantled its diversity, equity and inclusion office and required Ryan’s resignation to end the probe.
• In his resignation statement Ryan said fighting the federal government to keep his job would risk funding for hundreds of employees, research grants and students’ financial aid or visas.
• UVA’s Board of Visitors had voted earlier this year to disband its DEI office but failed to satisfy DOJ concerns over renamed initiatives.
• Democratic figures including Representative Abigail Spanberger and Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine condemned the ultimatum as a violation of academic independence.
• Experts warn the move foreshadows broader federal enforcement of Title VI that could reshape governance at both private and public universities.