How a Conservative Alumni Group Influenced the Removal of the U.Va. President

The Jefferson Council, a group of conservative-leaning alumni from the University of Virginia, had grown increasingly frustrated with the university's leadership.

For several years, the organization vocally opposed President James E. Ryan’s vigorous support for campus diversity initiatives.

They had hoped that Governor Glenn Youngkin, a Republican known for his opposition to diversity, equity, and inclusion (D.E.I.) programs, would bring about change at the prestigious public institution. However, as 2025—the final year of Youngkin’s term—began, the university’s D.E.I. framework remained intact, with political polls indicating a difficult path ahead for Republican candidates.

The Jefferson Council found a new partner in their campaign: former President Donald Trump.

In the initial days of his presidency, Trump signed executive orders that prohibited federal diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, posing a direct challenge to universities receiving federal funding.

The Justice Department subsequently appointed Gregory W. Brown, a University of Virginia alumnus and donor, to the Office of Civil Rights to help enforce these directives.

The Jefferson Council was already familiar with Brown, who, as a private attorney, had previously represented students in lawsuits against the university alleging free speech infringements and antisemitic harassment—cases brought to him through the council’s network.