UVA president speaks on resignation, says he won’t put university at risk to save his job

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WRIC) -- James Ryan, the current president of the University of Virginia (UVA), is speaking out on his decision to resign, saying he will not put UVA in jeopardy by "fight[ing] the federal government in order to save [his] own job."

As first reported by the New York Times on Friday, June 27, Ryan informed the university's Board of Visitors that he intended to resign in August. This decision came after reports that the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) had called for his resignation.

Multiple sources reportedly told the NYT that the DOJ wanted Ryan to resign because it would "help resolve a Justice Department inquiry into the school’s diversity, equity and inclusion efforts."

On Friday afternoon, Ryan issued a statement to the UVA community on his decision to leave the position.

"To make a long story short, I am inclined to fight for what I believe in and I believe deeply in this University," he said. "But I cannot make a unilateral decision to fight the federal government in order to save my own job. To do so would not only be quixotic but appear selfish and self-centered to the hundreds of employees who would lose their jobs, the researchers who would lose their funding and the hundreds of students who could lose financial aid or have their visas withheld."

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Ryan added that he had already intended to make 2026 his last year as UVA's president "for reasons entirely separate from this episode," such as the completion of his administration's strategic plan.

He said that, while there are "very important principles at play here," he could not in good conscience fight for one more year at UVA "while knowingly and willingly sacrificing others in this community."

"If this were not so distinctly tied to me personally, I may have pursued a different path," Ryan said. "But I could not in good conscience cause real and direct harm to my colleagues and our students in order to preserve my own position."

Ryan said it was an honor to serve as UVA's president, adding that he is very thankful for the support he's received recently.

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"This was an excruciatingly difficult decision, and I am heartbroken to be leaving this way," Ryan said in closing.

Shortly after Ryan's statement was shared with 8News, UVA rector Robert D. Hardie issued a statement that reads as follows:

"Earlier today, and with profound sadness, I accepted President Jim Ryan's resignation on behalf of the Board and its members.

Jim Ryan has been an extraordinary president of this great University. He has led our institution to unprecedented heights, always doing so with grace and humility. I know I speak for our students, alumni, faculty, and staff when I express my heartfelt gratitude for Jim’s tireless service to our University, especially for the ways he has guided the institution steadily and with great purpose, even in the face of major challenges like a global pandemic. UVA has forever been changed for the better as a result of Jim's exceptional leadership." University of Virginia rector Robert D. Hardie

8News has made multiple inquiries to officials with the DOJ, but has not yet received a response.