Governor Glenn Youngkin Applauds University of Virginia’s Decision to End DEI Office and Promote Merit-Based Opportunity

On Friday, Governor Glenn Youngkin commended the University of Virginia’s Board of Visitors for their unanimous vote to dissolve the University’s Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI) and Community Partnerships. The vote signals the end of discriminatory practices at the University, which will now focus on merit-based programs. Non-discriminatory initiatives from the DEI office will be transferred to other University departments.

“The Board of Visitors voted for common sense, saying ‘no’ to illegal discrimination and ‘yes’ to merit-based opportunity,” Governor Youngkin stated. “DEI is done at the University of Virginia. We stand for the universal truth that everyone is created equal, and opportunity is at the heart of Virginians’ and Americans’ future.”

Attorney General Jason Miyares echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the misuse of DEI programs in the past. “Virginia is stronger with all of us together. For too long, diversity, equity, and inclusion regimes have been misused to guarantee equality of outcomes instead of equality of opportunity. Merit and excellence are the necessary foundations to make Virginia stronger and more resilient for the 21st century.”

Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears, who has a personal connection to the idea of equal opportunity, celebrated the decision as a step toward fairness. “As an immigrant who came to this country as a little girl, it was the promise of equal opportunity and fairness that embodied the American Dream. This decision is a victory for students, faculty, and taxpayers, and for everyone who aspires to achieve the American Dream.”

The resolution requires that all programs, policies, practices, and actions at the University comply with the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and other federal civil rights laws. University President Jim Ryan is expected to report back within 30 days to update the Board on the University’s progress in adhering to the resolution.

Governor Youngkin has long advocated for the dismantling of DEI-driven education policies. On January 15, 2022, he issued Executive Order One (2022), eliminating DEI-driven programs in the Virginia Department of Education. Following that, on January 18, 2022, he launched Executive Order Ten (2022), which created the Office of Diversity, Opportunity, and Inclusion, focusing on expanding opportunities for all Virginians.

The action taken by the University of Virginia aligns with President Donald Trump’s Executive Order 14173, which directs all federal departments and agencies to end discriminatory and illegal preferences, mandates, and programs. The decision also reflects guidance from the U.S. Department of Education, which has reinforced the legal requirements under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution.

This move marks a significant shift in Virginia’s approach to diversity and inclusion policies, prioritizing merit and equal opportunity for all Virginians.