Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin praised the University of Virginia’s decision to shutter its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) office.

The university’s Board of Visitors has unanimously approved a resolution to dissolve its Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, according to the governor’s office. That resolution requires all university programs to comply with the Constitution’s Equal Protection Clause and Title VI that guarantee equal treatment for all.

The resolution, in part, reads:

“The University of Virginia highly values diversity, including diversity of thought and experience, and fosters an inclusive environment, encouraging a culture of opportunity for all, which immensely enriches our Grounds, and is committed to providing every student an education that is free from discrimination and grounded in merit.”

Youngkin, a Republican who has been governor since 2022, said “The Board of Visitors voted for common sense, saying ‘no’ to illegal discrimination and ‘yes’ to merit-based opportunity. DEI is done at the University of Virginia. We stand for the universal truth that everyone is created equal, and opportunity is at the heart of Virginians’ and Americans’ future.”

Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears described the move as upholding the American Dream.

“As an immigrant who came to this country as a little girl, it was the promise of equal opportunity and fairness that embodied the American Dream,” Earle-Sears said. “That’s what I’m fighting for every Virginian to have.

“The University of Virginia’s decision to disband its DEI office and uphold federal law is a victory for students, faculty and taxpayers. It’s also a victory for everyone who aspires to achieve the American Dream just like I did.”

University of Virginia President Jim Ryan is required to report to the board within 30 days to provide an update on the school’s progress, Youngkin said.

Representatives of the University of Virginia and the school’s DEI office did not respond to a request for comment on Tuesday.

The university’s decision follows a January executive order by President Donald Trump that directed all federal offices to terminate their DEI programs. The University of North Carolina last month cited compliance with Trump’s order in its decision to suspend its DEI graduation requirements.

“Indeed, right now — at this very hour — there are thousands of researchers in the University working to improve the health and wellbeing of everyday North Carolinians and people across the globe,” UNC General Counsel Andrew Tripp wrote of the decision. “Today’s action ensures that their work will continue unabated in an emerging regulatory landscape.”

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