"When Virginia's new Democratic leaders took control of the governor's office and attorney general position last week, they wasted no time overhauling higher ed. Abigail Spanberger, the new governor, immediately appointed more than two dozen members to the governing boards of the Virginia Military Institute, George Mason University and the University of Virginia, meaning she's already appointed the majority of members on the George Mason and UVA boards."
"In the order, Spanberger wrote that the Trump administration's actions necessitate this review. "Virginia colleges and universities have faced unprecedented challenges from shifts in federal policy to attacks on institutional autonomy and mission," Spanberger said. "These pressures underscore the urgent need for the Commonwealth to reevaluate how governing boards are appointed, ensuring they are composed of individuals dedicated to upholding the quality, independence, and reputation of our institutions.""
"The new attorney general, Jay Jones, also moved swiftly. He fired GMU's university counsel K. Anne Gambrill Gentry and associate counsel Eli Schlam, leaving the institution with two remaining in-house lawyers, the university said."
Abigail Spanberger appointed more than two dozen members to governing boards at VMI, George Mason and the University of Virginia, giving her a majority on the GMU and UVA boards. Her predecessor Glenn Youngkin had placed conservatives on boards who curtailed diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives and prompted controversies at UVA, including former president Jim Ryan's pressured resignation. At least 13 of Spanberger's appointees donated to her campaign. Spanberger issued an executive order directing a review of board appointment processes and potential legislative changes to term lengths, starts and reappointments. Attorney General Jay Jones removed key university counsels at GMU and VMI.
Read at Inside Higher Ed | Higher Education News, Events and Jobs
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