The University of Virginia (UVA) is shuttering its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) office and ending programs that facilitate illegal discrimination in compliance with President Donald Trump’s executive order eliminating DEI among institutions of higher education.
The University of Virginia’s Board of Visitors voted unanimously Friday on a resolution to dissolve its office of DEI and community partnerships, and transfer its “permissible” programs to other offices, a major victory for GOP Governor Glenn Youngkin and the Trump administration.
“The Board of Visitors voted for common sense, saying ‘no’ to illegal discrimination and ‘yes’ to merit-based opportunity,” Youngkin said.
“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.”
UVA’s resolution explicitly cites Trump’s executive order, “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity,” and guidance from Trump’s Department of Education. Trump’s executive order bans DEI in the federal government, federal contracting, and federally-funded institutions. Trump’s directive also takes steps towards ending DEI in the private sector, where it became widespread following the Black Lives Matter riots and racial panic in the summer of 2020.
The resolution also lists federal civil rights laws such as the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment and Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. The Supreme Court ruled in 2023 that race-based college admissions policies are illegal under the Equal Protection Clause, a decision that significantly altered the legal landscape surrounding DEI.
The university is going to review all of its programming and actions to ensure they are in compliance with federal civil rights laws and informed by the Trump administration’s guidance. UVA’s comprehensive review will look at hiring, admissions, financial aid, scholarships, housing, and other aspects of student life. In doing so, UVA will ensure there are no efforts to circumvent federal law through proxy measures or third-party contractors.
“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,” said Virginia Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears (R), a candidate in the state’s 2025 gubernatorial election.
“That’s what I’m fighting for every Virginian to have. The University of Virginia’s decision to disband its DEI office and uphold federal law is a victory for students, faculty, and taxpayers. It’s also a victory for everyone who aspires to achieve the American Dream just like I did.”
When reached for comment, a spokesman for UVA said the administration will transfer the remaining functions of its defunct DEI office in 3o days as the resolution instructs.
“The University’s Division for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Community Partnerships houses several important functions, including the Office for Equal Opportunity and Civil Rights, Title IX compliance, the UVA Tribal Liaison, and the University’s Office for Community Partnerships,” the spokesman said.
“In accordance with the resolution, the administration will review the functions of the office, and all personnel and programs that are permissible under state and federal law will be transferred within the University, within 30 days. We will provide additional information as those efforts proceed.”
The spokesman also pointed to part of UVA’s resolution affirming the school’s support for diversity, including diversity of experience and opinion, and an inclusive environment. The resolution further articulates the value UVA places on creating an educational experience free from discrimination and focused on merit.
With the board resolution, UVA has become the latest major institution to walk back from its DEI implementation due to political and legal pressure from conservatives. Meta, Walmart, McDonald’s, Target, and other large corporations have scaled back DEI initiatives recently due to pushback from Republican officials and conservative activists who can tap into red-state clientele.
Critics of DEI programs believe they obsessively focus on demographic characteristics and divide people in harmful ways rather than emphasizing the value of individual character and merit. DEI is particularly prevalent in institutions of higher education where faculty, administrators, and students are overwhelmingly left-wing.