"We intend to stand up and fight": Virginian politicians on Ryan's departure

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“We intend to stand up and fight”: Virginian politicians on Ryan’s departure

Senate Democrats say anything is on the table for retaliation


Going forward, Democrats say this is the beginning of a bigger fight, one that may begin sooner rather than later.

Courtesy Commonwealth of Virginia

By Ford McCracken
June 29, 2025

The news sent shockwaves throughout the University and higher education nationwide. … University President Jim Ryan announced he would be resigning Friday afternoon, having faced pressure from the Trump administration to leave. And while the move left students and professors shocked and upset, it also caught the attention of lawmakers in Richmond and Washington.

Leading members of the Virginia Senate Democratic Caucus held a media conference Saturday morning to discuss their reactions and how they plan to fight back. The group, led by Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell, condemned the pressured resignation and blamed both President Donald Trump and Gov. Glenn Youngkin.

Senate Democratic Caucus Chair Mamie Locke said this constitutes a pattern of attacks by the Trump administration on higher education. … “I am offended that this administration and its minions here in the Commonwealth [are] choosing to undermine civil rights, civil liberties and higher education for the sake of taking us back to the good old days,” Locke said.

Most Democratic lawmakers shared a similar sentiment, with both Sens. Tim Kaine and Mark Warner quickly releasing a joint statement Friday after the news broke of Ryan’s departure.

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