Jim Ryan’s DEI Update to the Faculty Senate

“We are not walking away from our values.”

Jim Ryan’s recent remarks to the UVA Faculty Senate highlight ongoing tensions over the university’s handling of DEI policy changes and transparency. He addressed the Board of Visitors’ resolution that calls for dissolving the central DEI office, relocating permissible programs, and reviewing policies. Ryan acknowledged that an internal update was given to the Board weeks ago, but it has not yet been shared publicly:

“The board would like to talk with us about that update and our steps before making final decisions, which is why we haven't communicated about it yet.

This delay continues a pattern of limited transparency from the administration — especially when it comes to addressing mounting concerns from faculty, students, and alumni about bias reporting systems and the reportedly hostile climate for those who question current DEI frameworks.

Despite these concerns, Ryan expressed confidence in the outcome: I’m optimistic that we're gonna end up in a good place, where we are not walking away from our values.”

He reaffirmed a commitment to inclusivity:

“We will continue to seek talented faculty and students of all backgrounds, experiences, and beliefs. We will do everything we can to make sure they succeed here, and we will do everything we can to make sure they feel welcome — that’s full stop.”

But for many, these words ring hollow in the absence of meaningful dialogue, transparent decision-making, and accountability regarding the climate for dissent and intellectual diversity.