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3w ago

Virginia Judge Bars Youngkin’s Contested University Appointees

The injunction reinforces the Senate’s exclusive power to confirm university board nominees after a committee rejected eight of Gov. Youngkin’s picks.

FILE - Virginia state Sen. Scott Surovell, D-Fairfax, listens to debate during the Senate session at the Capitol, March 10, 2022, in Richmond, Va. (AP Photo/Steve Helber, File)
FILE - Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares speaks during an interview at the Office of the Attorney General in Richmond, Va., Tuesday, May 9, 2023. (AP Photo/Ryan M. Kelly, file)
FILE - Virginia Senate President Pro Tempore, Sen. Louise Lucas, D-Portsmouth, recognizes a visitor in the gallery as she presides over the Senate, Jan 27, 2020, at the state Capitol in Richmond, Va. (AP Photo/Steve Helber, File)
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Overview

  • Judge Jonathan D. Frieden issued a preliminary injunction barring eight of Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s appointees from serving on the boards of the University of Virginia, George Mason University and the Virginia Military Institute.
  • The ruling follows a June vote by the Senate Privileges and Elections Committee to reject the nominees, which included former attorney general Ken Cuccinelli II and ex-commerce secretary Caren Merrick.
  • Attorney General Jason Miyares plans to seek a stay and appeal to the Virginia Supreme Court, arguing that only a full General Assembly vote can block gubernatorial appointees.
  • Parties have until Wednesday to file stay motions and responses, with a decision expected by Friday as university boards prepare to meet without the contested members.
  • The legal battle highlights a broader partisan and constitutional struggle over appointment powers and DEI policies in Virginia’s public universities.