Why University of Virginia Faculty’s Desire for a Voice in Presidential Selection is Unlikely to Succeed

Over the weekend, the faculty senate at the University of Virginia passed a resolution of “no confidence” in the university’s governing board. This came after the controversial resignation of President James Ryan, who stepped down under pressure linked to the Trump administration.

Faculty members feel understandably upset. Ryan was removed not by the governing board but by two midlevel Justice Department lawyers, leaving many questions about authority and governance. Should federal appointees have such power over university leadership? When a college president must step down, it should ideally be decided by the board. However, that didn’t happen here, raising concerns for future governance under different political administrations.

The faculty senate has called on the governing board for transparency regarding their dealings with the Justice Department. They seek an immediate report on any inquiries made by federal representatives. While this is a legitimate request, there may be more to consider.

The resolution also highlights a key issue: the notion of “shared governance.” Many universities encourage collaboration among the faculty and administration, but the legal reality is stark. The University of Virginia is controlled by its board of visitors, as outlined by state law. Faculty members are, in essence, employees, with little say in governance matters.

This situation underscores a fundamental culture clash. Most universities lean liberal, but the current board is entirely appointed by a Republican governor. Traditionally, university board appointments were routine, but they now resemble political nominations, rife with scrutiny.

Interestingly, this isn’t the first time we’ve seen such political tension. Historical disputes over university governance have often mirrored broader societal conflicts. In recent years, faculty at some Virginia universities have faced similar challenges, especially pertaining to policies like diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

Recent surveys show rising polarization around university operations. A poll by the Pew Research Center found that over 70% of Americans believe universities should be held accountable for political leanings and policies. This indicates a growing expectation for transparency in university governance that aligns with state policies.

As discussions surrounding university governance continue, a crucial debate looms: Should state universities be shielded from political influence, or is it inevitable that they mirror the political landscape?

Whatever the outcome, one thing remains clear: the concept of “shared governance” is more of an ideal than a legal requirement. As the faculty senate navigates this challenging new environment, they must adjust to a reality where political dynamics heavily influence their institution’s governance.

For a deeper dive into the politics of university governance, you can refer to the American Council on Education for ongoing updates and discussions on these evolving issues.

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