UVA Names Temporary President Amid Federal DEI Investigations

The University of Virginia has appointed Paul Mahoney as interim president following the sudden resignation of James Ryan, who stepped down amid mounting federal scrutiny related to the institution's diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies. Ryan's resignation came after the Department of Justice initiated an investigation into alleged race-based discrimination on campus and demanded his departure, despite his initial plans to leave at the end of the 2025-2026 academic year. Mahoney, a former dean at UVA's School of Law, will assume the interim role starting August 11. He expressed a commitment to engaging with various campus communities to understand their perspectives amid ongoing federal investigations under the Trump administration's anti-DEI stance. UVA's board, appointed by Governor Glenn Youngkin, intends to select a permanent president within four to six months. This leadership change occurs in a broader context of federal pressure, including the potential loss of over $64 million in federal funding if the university does not align with the administration's policies. While UVA has been cautious publicly, its Darden School of Business has suspended partnerships with...