Fact Check: "Hundreds protested at UVA, chanting 'We want Jim' after Ryan's resignation."
What We Know
On June 27, 2025, James E. Ryan, the president of the University of Virginia (UVA), announced his resignation under pressure from the Trump administration, which had been investigating the university's diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts. Following his resignation, hundreds of students and faculty members gathered on campus to express their support for him. Reports indicate that the crowd chanted phrases such as "We want Jim" and "Death to tyrants," a phrase that echoes the state motto of Virginia, Sic Semper Tyrannis (New York Times, Seattle Times).
Analysis
The claim that "hundreds protested at UVA, chanting 'We want Jim'" is substantiated by multiple credible sources. Both the New York Times and the Seattle Times reported on the immediate reaction from the university community following Ryan's resignation. The reports detail how students and faculty organized an impromptu march to Carr’s Hill, the president's residence, where Ryan addressed the crowd, acknowledging their support and expressing his commitment to the university's mission.
The reliability of these sources is high, as both are established news organizations with a history of thorough reporting. The New York Times, in particular, is known for its rigorous journalistic standards and fact-checking processes. The Seattle Times also has a solid reputation for local and national news coverage. Both articles provide direct quotes from the protest, confirming the chants and the emotional atmosphere surrounding Ryan's departure.
While there may be other sources discussing the event, the consistency in the reports from these two major outlets lends credence to the claim. There are no significant contradictions in the available evidence regarding the protest or the chants made by the crowd.
Conclusion
Verdict: True. The evidence clearly supports the claim that hundreds protested at UVA, chanting "We want Jim" after Ryan's resignation. The reports from reliable news sources confirm the occurrence of the protest and the specific chants, validating the claim's accuracy.
Sources
- University of Virginia President Resigns Under Pressure ... (https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/27/us/politics/uva-president-resigns-jim-ryan-trump.html)
- University of Virginia President Resigns Under Pressure ... (https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/university-of-virginia-president-resigns-under-pressure-from-trump-administration/)
