"Youngkin called the move "blatant partisanship." But Senate Democrats have argued that the governor participated in his own brand of partisanship, stocking college boards with divisive conservative political figures. (An Inside Higher Ed analysis in July found that Youngkin has appointed numerous conservative activists, former Republican lawmakers and officials, and multiple GOP megadonors, among others.) Commonwealth Democrats have also demanded that Youngkin cease such appointments until he meets with Senate leaders, who have accused the governor of failing to adequately consult with them."
"The Senate Committee on Privileges and Elections previously blocked eight appointments in June. That action prompted a legal fight, with the governor arguing that his picks should be allowed to serve on their respective boards until the full Senate weighs in. Attorney General Jason Miyares, a Republican, backed the governor's view, but a judge blocked that effort in July after Democrats sued. Miyares has since appealed the case to the Virginia Supreme Court."
Democratic senators on the Senate Committee on Privileges and Elections voted 8-6 to reject four Youngkin appointments to the Virginia Military Institute board, four to the University of Virginia board, and six to George Mason University's board. The GMU Board of Visitors now lacks a quorum while the university faces federal scrutiny for alleged discriminatory hiring practices, which GMU president Gregory Washington disputes amid questions about his future. Democrats say Youngkin stocked boards with divisive conservative figures and demanded appointment pauses until consultation with Senate leaders. The dispute triggered legal action, with the attorney general appealing to the Virginia Supreme Court.
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