We, the residents of Charlottesville, members of the University of Virginia community, and citizens across the Commonwealth, call upon the Virginia General Assembly to protect our institutions and constitutional rights from unwarranted federal interference. The recent resignation of University of Virginia President Jim Ryan, compelled by federal pressure over the University’s diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, represents an unacceptable intrusion into academic freedom and institutional autonomy. This threat extends beyond our university to other vital institutions, and we urge you to act decisively to preserve Virginia’s sovereignty and liberty.

The federal government’s demand for President Ryan’s resignation, backed by threats to withhold millions in funding, undermines the independence of the University of Virginia. Since 2018, President Ryan has led with integrity through challenges, including recovering from the 2017 Charlottesville rally, the 2022 campus tragedy, and debates over free expression. His achievements include securing a $5 billion capital campaign, expanding tuition-free education for low-income Virginians, and establishing the Center for Community Partnerships to strengthen local ties. Over 7,800 alumni, students, and faculty have signed a letter through Wahoos4UVA supporting his leadership. Forcing his resignation over diversity programs—efforts to ensure all voices contribute to the pursuit of knowledge—sets a dangerous precedent.

This overreach jeopardizes the principles enshrined in the Virginia Constitution, which declares that “the freedoms of speech and of the press are among the great bulwarks of liberty” (Article I, Section 12), and the United States Constitution, which reserves powers to the states and people through the Tenth Amendment. When the federal government uses financial leverage to control university governance, it violates these rights. Similar pressures have targeted other institutions, such as Harvard, and could extend to our courts and press if left unchecked. Virginia’s institutions must remain free to serve their communities without federal coercion.

We respectfully request that the General Assembly take the following actions to protect our institutions and constitutional rights:

1. Urge the University of Virginia Board of Visitors to reject Ryan’s resignation: call upon the University of Virginia's Board of Visitors to formally reject president Ryan’s resignation, affirming their authority to uphold his leadership in the face of federal pressure and signaling unwavering commitment to institutional autonomy
2. Enact Legislation to Protect University Autonomy: Pass a law affirming the independence of Virginia’s public universities and denouncing federal interference in their leadership, academic policies, or programs unless clear constitutional violations are proven.
3. Adopt a Resolution Opposing Federal Interference: Pass a joint resolution condemning federal coercion of Virginia’s institutions, including universities, courts, and press, and urging Congress to respect the Tenth Amendment.
4. Establish an Emergency Fund for Public Education and Cultural Institutions: Create a state fund to support public universities, schools, and institutions facing federal funding reductions due to political disputes, ensuring their ability to operate independently.
5. Propose a Constitutional Amendment: Introduce an amendment to Article I, Section 12 of the Virginia Constitution to explicitly protect public institutions from government interference in their pursuit of knowledge, to be submitted for voter approval in 2026.
6. Amend Virginia Code § 23.1-1300 to include a provision that reallocates appointment authority for the UVA BOV as follows: The Governor appoints 8 of the 17 voting members, subject to General Assembly confirmation. The University of Virginia, through a designated internal governance body (e.g., a committee comprising representatives of the Faculty Senate, administration, and/or alumni association), appoints 9 voting members. All appointments, whether by the Governor or UVA, remain subject to General Assembly confirmation to maintain oversight.
7. Convene Public Hearings: Hold hearings to investigate federal overreach in Virginia, gathering testimony from university leaders, scholars, and citizens to inform protective legislation.

Virginia has a proud history of defending liberty, from its founding to the present day. We call on you, our elected representatives, to uphold this legacy by safeguarding our institutions. We urge all Virginians to join us in signing this petition, contacting legislators, and advocating for the autonomy of our universities and the preservation of our constitutional rights. Together, we can ensure that Virginia’s institutions remain beacons of knowledge and freedom for future generations.