News Summary
Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares has filed an appeal against a court ruling that temporarily suspended eight gubernatorial appointments to boards overseeing higher education. The suspension was triggered by a lawsuit from Democratic senators, asserting that appointments lacked General Assembly confirmation. The ruling raises questions about the legitimacy of the appointees’ positions, impacting the governance of Virginia’s public universities. Miyares argues the injunction disrupts board operations, while Senate Democrats defend their authority. The outcome of the appeal may significantly affect the relationship between Virginia’s executive and legislative branches.
Virginia – Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares has appealed a temporary suspension affecting eight gubernatorial appointments to three boards overseeing higher education institutions in the state. The appeal was filed on the evening of August 12, 2025, and aims to lift the suspension imposed following a recent court ruling.
The suspension stems from a decision made by Fairfax County Circuit Court Judge Jonathan D. Frieden on July 29, which ruled in favor of nine Democratic senators in a lawsuit challenging the validity of the appointees’ positions. The court’s ruling indicated that the appointees could not serve without confirmation from the General Assembly, as the Senate committee on Privileges and Elections had rejected their confirmation. This rejection, the judge noted, reflects the legislature’s unwillingness to approve the new board members.
The suspended appointees include prominent figures such as Charles Stimson, Rector of George Mason University; Rachel Sheridan, Rector of the University of Virginia; and James P. Inman, President of the Virginia Military Institute Board of Visitors. Their appointments have been called into question, disrupting their ability to participate in their respective boards.
Miyares argued that the temporary injunction hindered the operations of these important educational boards by forcing existing rectors to exclude the appointees who had already been actively serving. He suggested that the senators involved in the lawsuit do not possess the legal grounds to sue and claimed they targeted the wrong defendants, specifically the university rectors instead of the appointees themselves. Miyares further contended that the rejection of the appointees should be acknowledged only if there is a conclusive and formal refusal by both the House and Senate, rather than just a vote from a single committee.
In response, Senate Democrats defended the ruling, asserting that the court upheld the Senate’s constitutional authority to confirm or reject nominees for the university boards. They emphasized that this authority is fundamental and cannot be circumvented by gubernatorial appointments. Key figures from the Senate, including President Pro Tempore L. Louise Lucas, Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell, and Committee Chair Aaron Rouse, played a pivotal role in the initial legal challenge.
After Miyares filed the appeal, Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell expressed confusion regarding Miyares’ failure to raise the matter during his prior six years in the House of Delegates, suggesting a lack of urgency or concern about the situation until now. This has spurred additional dialogue surrounding the appointments and the legalities governing them.
The Senate Democrats have also taken to social media, releasing a video that reaffirms their commitment to protecting Virginia’s public universities against what they perceive as partisan attacks on the governance of these institutions. As the legal battle unfolds, no court date has been set for the appeal, as the Virginia Supreme Court will need to determine whether it will hear Miyares’ case.
The outcome of this appeal could have significant implications for the future governance of Virginia’s higher education boards, including how gubernatorial appointments are confirmed and the broader relationship between the executive and legislative branches in the state. Stakeholders in Virginia’s educational system are carefully monitoring the developments, with the potential for changes that could reshape the governance of public universities.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Military.com: Virginia Sues Trump’s VA Over Education Benefits
- 29 News: AG Miyares Sues VA Over Denial of Veterans’ Education Benefits
- Cavalier Daily: Why a Judge Ruled Against Allowing Youngkin Appointees to Serve
- Richmond.com: Miyares Appeals Court Decision Over University Board Rejections
- Wikipedia: Virginia
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WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
