The Justice Department had demanded that James E. Ryan step down in order to help resolve a civil rights investigation into the school.

The University of Virginia president resigned on Friday under pressure from the Trump administration, as the government broadens its attacks on higher education to include public universities. James Ryan’s decision to step down comes after the justice department demanded he leave the university to resolve an investigation into the school’s diversity policies.

The president of the University of Virginia has announced he is resigning amid heavy pressure from conservative critics and the Trump administration over the school's diversity, equity and inclusion policies.