University leaders, state representatives, and community organizers remain divided over the agreement signed by the University of Virginia and the U.S. Department of Justice on October 22. Democratic leaders across the country are calling for a reevaluation of the agreement.
In a scathing October 26 letter, Virginia state Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell and Senate President Pro Tempore L. Louise Lucas voiced concerns with the decision, legality of the agreement, and the implications for other state universities.
“While we understand the tremendous pressure the University has faced—pressure that ultimately led to President Ryan’s resignation—we believe UVA capitulated to legally dubious federal overreach without mounting necessary constitutional challenges,” reads a portion of the letter. “The University has committed to comply with DOJ ‘guidance’ that federal courts have found exceeds the Department’s legal authority. UVA is thus agreeing to do more than federal law requires—indeed, more than federal law allows under proper statutory interpretation. This is a bizarre capitulation that raises serious questions about the motives of all involved.”…