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.