Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian (via Getty Images)

Alexis Ohanian defends Jim Ryan after UVA president resigns amid DEI controversy

Political tensions rise over DEI in public universities

Reddit co-founder and husband of tennis star Serena Williams, Alexis Ohanian, publicly denounced the compelled resignation of the University of Virginia President Jim Ryan as a “DEI witchhunt” perpetuated by political pressure from Donald Trump ‘s sympathizers and Governor Glenn Youngkin’s appointees. Alexis Ohanian came to Jim Ryan’s defense while lamenting the state of diversity and freedom of speech at public universities such as UVA.Alexis Ohanian went on X to express his disappointment when the University of Virginia President Jim Ryan resigned. Reports say Jim Ryan’s departure came amidst building pressure from voices sympathetic to former President Donald Trump and current Governor Glenn Youngkin of Virginia. The gravest concern, Alexis Ohanian implied, was opposition to the university’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives on political grounds.”UVA President Jim Ryan has resigned under pressure from Trump’s White House and DOJ & some Youngkin appointees on UVA BOV,” Larry Sabato, Director, UVA, confirmed on X. He also shared the resignation letter.”Jim is a tremendous leader; this is a very sad day for @UVA,” Alexis Ohanian wrote.”The University hasn’t just been a consistently great academic program under his tenure, it’s ranked NUMBER ONE in Free Speech by FIRE … And all because of a DEI witchhunt? It’s a public university and the state of Virginia is 20% Black and less than 8% of the student body is Black.” He also pointed out an essential imbalance on the university campus: even as Virginia has an approximately 20% Black population, Black students account for less than 8% of UVA students.Jim Ryan’s departure sent the UVA community into shock. With a reputation for balancing academic rigor and progressive support for free speech, UVA under Ryan’s direction was just named #1 in free expression by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE). Ohanian laid stress on the importance of such success, averring UVA was “a consistently great academic program” under Jim Ryan’s guidance.On campus, the atmosphere was tearful but determined. In speaking to supporters after the announcement, Jim Ryan spoke to a crowd in solidarity:“I appreciate you being here. I appreciate your support. And regardless of my role, I will continue to do whatever I can to support this place and continue to make it the best place it can be. And I would ask that you all do the same.”Also read: Serena Williams sends love to Caroline Wozniacki as she flaunts baby bump in latest summer pics Jim Ryan’s resignation is only the latest in an emerging national backlash against DEI initiatives at public universities. While UVA students and faculty mobilize in support of a leader many believed was leading the university in a good direction, DEI critics continue to demand a rollback. The result could determine not only UVA’s future but also the wider conversation about diversity and education in America.