Trump’s DOJ pressuring University of Virginia to axe its president over DEI programs: report

The Trump administration has reportedly pressured the University of Virginia to remove its president, James E. Ryan, in an effort to address a Justice Department investigation into the institution’s diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. According to reports, the Justice Department has accused Ryan of not dismantling the university’s DEI programs and misrepresenting the steps taken to eliminate them.

This move comes amidst the administration’s broader efforts to address DEI in higher education, including investigations into elite universities like Harvard over similar issues. The administration’s push for Ryan’s removal marks the first time it has directly targeted a university president in this manner.

Gregory Brown, the deputy assistant attorney general for civil rights and a University of Virginia graduate, has reportedly been instrumental in the investigation. Brown allegedly made multiple calls to university officials over the past month, urging them to remove Ryan so that the investigation could proceed.

Harmeet K. Dhillon, the Justice Department’s top civil rights lawyer, who also attended the University of Virginia with Ryan, has been involved in negotiations with the university as well. Ryan, who took on the role of president in 2018, has focused on increasing diversity at the school, attracting first-generation students, and promoting community service.

However, Ryan’s efforts have faced criticism from conservative alumni and Republican board members who believe he is too focused on DEI initiatives and is imposing his beliefs on students. Conservative groups like America First Legal, led by Trump advisor Stephen Miller, have accused the university of rebranding its DEI programs to circumvent the administration’s directives.

Despite the pushback, Ryan’s supporters argue that his commitment to DEI programs is in line with his background as the former dean of the Harvard Graduate School of Education, where he was recognized for his dedication to diversity and inclusion.

The University of Virginia’s response to the administration’s demands regarding Ryan’s removal remains unclear. Fox News Digital has reached out to the White House for comment on this ongoing situation.