State Del. Steve Landes, R-Weyers Cave, has sent a letter to the University of Virginia Board of Visitors urging the board to reconsider its forced resignation of President Teresa Sullivan to consider her reinstatement.
“Just like everyone else, members of the General Assembly were blindsided by the actions of the Board. Personally, I found President Sullivan engaging and very professional in our dealings. It was my impression that things were going well under her leadership,” said Landes, a member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee and Vice Chairman of the House Education Committee, on Friday.
Albemarle County Republican Del. Rob Bell issued a similarly-worded statement on the UVa. situation on Friday.
“I have come to believe that the proces leading to (Sullivan’s) resignation was fundamentally flawed. This view is apparently shared even by members of the board,” said Bell, who is running for the 2013 Republican attorney-general nomination.
“To rectify this untenable situation, I respectfully request that you reinstate Teresa Sullivan to the presidency,” Bell said.
Also on Friday, Gov. Bob McDonnell weighed in for the first time on the controversy, in a sternly worded public statement that included a warning for members of the Board of Visitors in advance of a scheduled June 26 meeting at which they will consider the reinstatement of Sullivan.
“Let me be absolutely clear: I want final action by the Board on Tuesday. If you fail to do so, I will ask for the resignation of the entire Board on Wednesday. Regardless of your decision, I expect you to make a clear, detailed and unified statement on the future leadership of the University,” McDonnell said in the statement
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Chris Graham
