In advance of Tuesday’s critical University of Virginia Board of Visitors meeting, the Jefferson Council placed a bold, full-page advertisement in the Richmond Times-Dispatch exposing how Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) ideology remains deeply entrenched at UVA — and why it must be removed to protect the university’s founding principles.

Bert Ellis has been the Board’s most consistent and vocal advocate for transparency, accountability, and responsible governance. Removing him now sends the wrong message to students, faculty, alumni, and the broader UVA community.

TJC urges the UVA Board of Visitors to take a strong stand for the Kalven Principles and to embrace this opportunity to return the University to its true mission: the pursuit of knowledge and truth without political interference.

The Jefferson Council is very pleased to announce that Joel Gardner has agreed to succeed Tom Neale as the president of The Jefferson Council.

As an organization committed to those Jeffersonian principles which formed UVA 205 years ago, The Jefferson Council is prepared to serve as an independent source of information and analysis for the new Board of Visitors.

As an organization committed to those Jeffersonian principles which formed UVA 205 years ago, The Jefferson Council is prepared to serve as an independent source of information and analysis for the new Board of Visitors.

Nominate individuals who will have the grit to fight for the university, its history, its legacy, and its students.