Charlottesville, VA - The Jefferson Council views President Ryan’s resignation as a necessary and welcome step toward restoring intellectual diversity, depoliticizing the University, and a commitment to equal treatment for all. He stepped down under intense scrutiny from the Board of Visitors, the Governor, and the Department of Justice over his leadership failures.

“For too long, policies driven by ideology rather than merit, achievement, and character have eroded trust, divided the community, and betrayed the University’s founding ideals,” said Joel Gardner, President of The Jefferson Council. “President Ryan’s administration refused to dismantle illegal and discriminatory DEI programs and failed to uphold the core educational mission of the University.”

The Jefferson Council consistently raised concerns about President Ryan’s leadership. Its investigative work exposed how his policies perpetuated illegal discrimination and eroded intellectual diversity, with all findings made publicly available at DEIatUVA.com and ResetUVA.com.

“This resignation signals a turning point for the University,” said Gardner. “UVA must now depoliticize its academic environment, abandon discriminatory practices, and return to its true purpose: educating students in a culture of civil dialogue, intellectual diversity, and the free exchange of competing ideas. Above all, this moment must usher in a renewed commitment to transparency and accountability at every level of University leadership.”