Judge blocks Youngkin’s appointments to various education boards

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Several higher education institutions in Virginia have been temporarily prohibited from allowing appointments made by Gov. Glenn Youngkin to continue serving on governing boards after a Fairfax County judge issued a preliminary injunction on Tuesday.

This decision comes after Virginia Democrats serving on the Senate Privileges and Elections Committee sued the leaders of the Boards of Visitors at George Mason University, the University of Virginia, and the Virginia Military Institute for permitting eight of Youngkin's appointments to serve -- even after the committee rejected their nominations back in June.

The injunction was granted in a 25-page opinion from Fairfax Circuit Court Judge Jonathan D. Friedan, detailing the committee's arguments that, due to a portion of the General Assembly refusing to confirm the appointees, they should not continue to serve.

The defendants, who were represented by the Office of the Attorney General, argued that it takes a vote from the entire General Assembly to reject an appointment.

Friedan states that according to the Constitution of Virginia, the appointees should have immediately ceased participation on their respective boards -- as the committee's rejection constitutes a refusal of the General Assembly.

As a result, the preliminary injunction will require the boards to prohibit Youngkin's appointments from serving pending appeal.

The following is a statement from Shaun Kenney, a spokesperson for the Office of the Attorney General, regarding the ruling:

"Although we are disappointed in the ruling, we were prepared for this possibility. This case is straightforward. The Constitution is clear that it is the General Assembly, not a fraction of a Senate Committee, that is authorized to act. We will quickly file an appeal with the Supreme Court of Virginia and are confident in our position."

A spokesperson with Youngkin's office also provided a statement on Friedan's decision:

“The Governor respectfully disagrees with the Court’s opinion and looks forward to the Attorney General’s appeal to the Supreme Court.”