Virginia Democrats have blocked 22 of Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s appointments to university boards since June, including 14 last week. The rejections affect appointments to the University of Virginia, Virginia Military Institute, and George Mason University.
The moves were approved by the Senate Committee on Privileges and Elections, led by Democratic Sen. Aaron Rouse. Youngkin and Republican leaders argue that the committee overstepped its authority by acting without a vote from the full General Assembly. A circuit court allowed the block to stand temporarily, and the issue is now before the Virginia Supreme Court.
In a statement, Youngkin said the committee’s actions lacked transparency and violated state law. He argued the blocked appointees were qualified and included experienced leaders such as the former president of Mastercard, the former president of the Northern Virginia Technology Council, and former Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli.
Democrats defended their actions, saying the rejections reflected concerns about the qualifications and motivations of Youngkin’s nominees, not partisanship. In a letter to the governor, Democratic leaders acknowledged the rejections were “unprecedented” but argued that university leadership must remain free from inappropriate political influence.
The dispute comes as Virginia universities face pressure from the Trump administration to scale back diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Last month, George Mason University’s board voted to extend and raise the salary of its president, who has defended the school’s DEI programs.
The Virginia Supreme Court is expected to decide whether the committee had the authority to block Youngkin’s nominees without action by the full General Assembly.