Senate Republicans Call Out Hypocrisy in Surovell Letter on Higher Ed Governance
RICHMOND, VA – Senate Republican leaders today issued a strong rebuttal to a letter circulated by Senator Scott Surovell and other members of the Senate Democratic caucus purporting to defend “institutional independence” in Virginia’s system of higher education. The letter, sent to members of the Boards of Visitors of the Commonwealth’s public colleges and universities, calls for resistance to perceived political interference—ironically, just weeks after the same signatories launched an unprecedented political and legal assault on those very boards.
“In one breath, Senator Surovell decries ‘external interference’ and praises Virginia’s proud tradition of self-governance,” said Senate Minority Leader Ryan McDougle. “In the next, he’s spearheading a lawsuit attempting to strip university boards of the ability to recognize duly appointed board members. The hypocrisy is staggering.”
The Surovell letter follows the resignation of UVA President Jim Ryan, which some Democrats have publicly linked to public criticism from President Donald Trump. Yet it ignores the real and ongoing efforts by Senate Democrats to pressure college boards into rejecting board members appointed by Governor Glenn Youngkin, including threatening rectors directly and filing a lawsuit against them in Fairfax Circuit Court.
“It’s astonishing that the same people who demanded that rectors refuse to seat certain gubernatorial appointees are now claiming to champion ‘independence’ for our public institutions,” said Senator Mark Obenshain, Chairman of the Senate Republican Caucus. “You can’t have it both ways. You either believe in institutional self-governance—or you don’t.”
Senate Republicans emphasized that Virginia’s colleges and universities are public institutions, created and funded by the General Assembly and the taxpayers of Virginia. While academic freedom is a core value, oversight and accountability by state government is not only appropriate but essential.
“We strongly support academic excellence and freedom of inquiry,” said Obenshain. “But there’s nothing improper about ensuring that our public universities reflect the values and priorities of the people of Virginia. That’s not interference—that’s representative government.”
Republican leaders expressed concern that Democrats are attempting to shield higher education from any form of public accountability while simultaneously politicizing board appointments and weaponizing the courts against college leaders.
“Our institutions deserve better than this performative double standard,” said McDougle. “Virginia’s students and families are watching—and they know the difference between real leadership and political theater.”
See email sent to all Legislators HERE
See full Democrat Letter HERE
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