Dems say Trump and Youngkin are targeting Virginia’s universities for political reasons

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Virginia Democrats say they are ready for a fight. 

"You don’t stop a bully by backing down, you stop a bully by punching back, and luckily for us, I always carry my boxing gloves in the trunk,” said Senator Louise Lucas (D-Portsmouth) on Thursday. 

They say controversial appointments made by Governor Glenn Youngkin to various boards of visitors at Virginia’s public colleges and universities -- as well as actions taken by President Donald Trump -- are threatening the independence of Virginia’s higher education institutions.

“The question must be asked, why are our universities being turned over to the federal government to be governed?” asked Delegate Luke Torian (D-Prince William).

Last month, University of Virginia President Jim Ryan resigned after being pressured by the Department of Justice over the school's diversity, equity and inclusion policies.

This month, the DOJ announced it’s investigating George Mason University, claiming the school’s hiring and admissions process discriminates based on race and gender, something the school denies.

Democrats argue these investigations are “unwarranted” and are a way for the federal government to assert control over universities with leaders they disagree with. 

“These attacks on our universities are not about performance, they're about politics. Trump and Virginia Republicans are working overtime to manufacture a narrative and frankly, a crisis where there is none just to lay the groundwork to fire or force out the heads of our most respected institutions,” said Delegate Kathy Tran (D-Fairfax).

In a statement, Republican House Minority Leader Terry Kilgore (R-Scott) responded, saying the following:

"Today’s press conference was silent on the real issue: a formal federal Title VI investigation into George Mason’s handling of race-based complaints, including nearly forty reports tied to antisemitic harassment last fall. This isn’t politics. It’s civil rights law asking: Were complaints processed, investigated, supported, or ignored? Fighting antisemitism isn’t a pretext. Oversight isn’t partisan. It’s accountability.” Del. Terry Kilgore, (R) House Minority Leader

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Governor Glenn Youngkin gave 8News the following statement. 

“There is no place for antisemitism on our campuses nor racial preferences driving admission or hiring decisions. We must follow the law as established by the Supreme Court and federal laws, including civil rights statutes. Virginia's world-class system of higher education will continue to be defined by our ability to graduate outstanding students who are fully prepared to succeed in the workforce.” Peter A. Finocchio, Spokesperson for Gov. Youngkin

Meanwhile, Democrats said to try and reassert the General Assembly’s control over Virginia’s public colleges and universities, they’ll attempt to change how individuals are appointed to serve on schools' boards of visitors during next year’s General Assembly session. 

Plus, Democratic Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell said he’ll try and get a law passed allowing schools to hire outside legal counsel to better push back against the Trump administration.

Surovell said currently, schools are “stuck” with Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares’s office defending them. 

In a statement, a spokesperson for Miyares said the following. 

"Any assertion that our colleges and universities are not being vigorously represented is categorically false.  Our position remains clear.  The Office of the Attorney General expects full and faithful compliance with federal civil rights and anti-discrimination laws.  Since the time of John Marshall, Virginia's attorney general has represented her colleges and universities, and we will proudly continue to represent them moving forward."  Shaun Kenney, Spokesperson for AG Miyares