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CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (CBS19 NEWS) — The University of Virginia and the U.S. Department of Justice announced Wednesday that they have reached an agreement ending any ongoing federal investigations into the university’s admissions policies. The Justice Department said the deal is designed to ensure UVA protects students, faculty and employees from violations of federal civil rights […]

The September issue of Virginia Magazine, the University’s official alumni publication, devotes significant attention to the resignation of President Jim Ryan and the questions it raises for UVA’s future. In the alumni response section, Jefferson Council President Joel Gardner is quoted on the qualities needed in the University’s next leader: “We’re looking for someone to

The truth is finally catching up with the myth. The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression’s (FIRE) just published its 2026 College Free Speech Rankings, reflecting FIRE’s new focus on the actual reality on the 257 college campuses surveyed rather than stated policy. While the Ryan administration often talked the talk on free expression issues, they

At UVA, “shared governance” is increasingly invoked, yet its meaning remains elusive. It is not a legal concept or historical norm, but has become a rhetorical tool used to push for expanded influence in university decisions. While faculty, staff, and students have defined roles, these do not include institutional governance. Calls for “shared governance” often

The University of Virginia has not historically operated by shared governance. Since its founding as stipulated in the University’s Charter, decision-making authority has rested exclusively with the Board of Visitors, the legally designated body responsible for UVA’s governance. Despite this longstanding structural reality, recent statements from various University groups have implied that shared governance has

Recently at the University, a number of groups have vocally espoused the position that “shared governance” has been a cornerstone of UVA life and institutional integrity— a notion that invokes collaboration between the Board of Visitors, administration, faculty, and students. Yet the concept of shared governance as espoused is an ephemeral one, with no real foundation

Today’s Senate Committee on Privileges and Elections in the Virginia General Assembly was a complete and utter mockery of representative government, more similar to Russia than the USA. That the Chair allowed only three brief remarks and then proceeded to a vote without allowing any discussion or debate is deeply troubling and undermines the core

This interview addresses the growing politicization of University life, reflected most clearly in the push for a politicized version of “shared governance” in UVA’s presidential search. Joel Gardner, president of The Jefferson Council, explains how the so-called shared governance campaign is less about balance and more about consolidating ideological control of the University. The recent

Jefferson Council President Joel Gardner’s interview with WUVA on the future of UVA. “The agenda of the University of Virginia should be to have no agenda” ~ Joel Gardner on WUVA. Check out the rest of his remarks on the Future of UVA.