University of Virginia Votes to Remove DEI Office: A Commonsense Decision

The University of Virginia's Board of Visitors has officially voted to close its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) office, citing alignment with former President Trump’s executive orders against federal DEI efforts. Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin hailed the move as a victory for merit-based opportunities and intellectual freedom.

Youngkin took to social media to celebrate the decision, declaring that "DEI is done at UVA." He described the vote as "commonsense," emphasizing opposition to illegal discrimination and advocating for students to have "unlimited intellectual freedom, not ideological gatekeeping." Now, that's quite the bold stance, especially for a state flagship university.

The university's Board of Visitors, comprising 17 members appointed by the governor, moved forward with the resolution to dissolve the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Community Partnerships. The resolution mandates the immediate transfer of permissible programs to a new organizational home—though it’s still unclear what qualifies as "permissible." The university president is tasked with updating the board on compliance within 30 days.

Governor Youngkin tied the decision to the values of Thomas Jefferson, the university’s founder, stating that it restores merit-based opportunities and eliminates illegal discrimination. On Friday’s "Ingraham Angle," Youngkin said this marks "a huge step to restoring the values of Mr. Jefferson, who understood that we are all created equal." If Jefferson were watching from the sidelines today, he'd probably have some thoughts—likely accompanied by a few raised eyebrows.

Youngkin’s administration has consistently pushed against DEI initiatives since his election, balancing advocacy for diversity with an emphasis on eradicating what he views as discriminatory practices. He remarked, "We embrace the idea of diversity in society, experiences, and views, but we must eliminate illegal discrimination." The governor further applauded UVA for making a clear statement that DEI is officially done on its campus.

The board cited the university's mission statement in the resolution, emphasizing its commitment to developing the potential of talented students from all backgrounds. The statement also underscored the importance of diversity of thought and experience, fostering an inclusive environment that enriches the campus and provides an education free from discrimination.

While the move may appease critics of DEI policies, it raises questions about how the university intends to balance diversity initiatives with constitutional and civil rights compliance. For now, the decision has sparked a wave of reactions across the state and beyond, with many wondering if other universities might follow suit. But hey, when you mix politics, education, and Jeffersonian ideals, sparks are bound to fly.