UVA President Jim Ryan Resigns Amid DOJ Diversity Program Investigation

James (Jim) Ryan, president of the University of Virginia since 2018, resigned amid pressure from the Trump administration’s Department of Justice over the university’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies. The DOJ demanded Ryan's departure, threatening the university with the loss of millions in federal funding if he did not step down. Ryan acknowledged that fighting the federal government to retain his position would risk substantial harm to students, employees, and researchers, including potential job losses, funding cuts, and visa issues for international students. His resignation came ahead of his originally planned departure in 2026 and was influenced by the university’s Board of Visitors, which under political pressure from MAGA-aligned members and the DOJ, pushed to close UVA’s DEI office. Virginia Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine criticized the Trump administration's actions as politically motivated attacks undermining higher education. The university now faces uncertainty regarding its leadership succession as it navigates the fallout from this federal investigation and political interference.