The president of the University of Virginia is resigning following a pressure campaign by the Trump

administration, marking what appears to be the first time the White House has successfully forced out

a university leader. James Ryan announced his departure today amid a Justice Department investigation

into UVA's diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. In a statement, Ryan said he could not fight for his

job in good conscience since that would knowingly and willingly risk federal funding, student

aid, and jobs for the university. For a closer look at the impact, and President Trump's

broader battle with higher education, were joined by Peter McDonough, Vice President of the American

Council on Education. The group represents nearly 1,600 colleges and universities. Thank you for

joining us. Thank you. It appears James Ryan resigned earlier than planned amid this pressure

from the Trump administration and a DOJ investigation into UVA's DEI policy.

So what does this say to you about the Trump administration's influence over university

governance?

Well, first and foremost, I think we all can agree that universities should be receptive to thoughtful

criticism and they should be accountable when they fall short. But Congress has

mandated certain types of processes. We tend to call them due process that we're supposed to be

imagining everybody follows. But in terms of control over a university by the executive branch of the federal government and using the purse strings that Congress is essentially holding in terms of federal funding, there are specific rules or specific requirements or specific types of due process that is supposed to be respected and utilized when there is a question about whether a college

or a university, public or private, has complied with federal law.

There's nothing in our federal system of government that enables the executive branch to

micromanage all aspects of a university, and there's certainly nothing that enables it to force out a leader

of a college or university, public or private.

Does Mr. Ryan's resignation, does this represent a tipping point

in higher ed autonomy?

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