Fact Check: University of Virginia Faculty Held Emergency Meeting to Oppose President's Resignation
What We Know
On June 27, 2025, University of Virginia President Jim Ryan announced his resignation, stating that he could not continue in his role due to pressure from the federal government regarding the university's diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. In his resignation statement, Ryan expressed deep sadness and emphasized that his decision was made to avoid causing harm to the university community (UVA President Jim Ryan's statement to the community).
Following this announcement, there was significant backlash from the university community. Faculty leadership convened an emergency meeting to adopt a resolution opposing Ryan's resignation, indicating strong disapproval of the circumstances surrounding his departure. Additionally, hundreds of students and faculty members participated in an impromptu march to the president's residence, chanting slogans in support of Ryan (University of Virginia President Resigns Under Pressure).
Analysis
The claim that the University of Virginia faculty held an emergency meeting to oppose President Ryan's resignation is supported by multiple credible sources. The New York Times reported that faculty leadership met to adopt a resolution against the resignation, highlighting the emotional and political ramifications of Ryan's departure (University of Virginia President Resigns Under Pressure).
Furthermore, Inside Higher Ed corroborated this by noting the faculty's immediate reaction and the gathering of students and faculty in protest of the resignation (Under Pressure From Trump, UVA President Resigns). This response indicates a collective opposition to the circumstances leading to Ryan's resignation, suggesting that the faculty's actions were not only spontaneous but also organized in response to a perceived injustice.
The credibility of these sources is high, as they are established news outlets with a history of reporting on higher education and political matters. The New York Times and Inside Higher Ed are recognized for their journalistic integrity and thorough reporting, making their accounts reliable for understanding the events surrounding Ryan's resignation.
Conclusion
The claim that University of Virginia faculty held an emergency meeting to oppose President Jim Ryan's resignation is True. The evidence from reputable sources confirms that faculty leadership took immediate action to express their discontent with the resignation, reflecting a significant reaction from the university community.
