CHARLOTTESVILE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – The University of Virginia’s Faculty Senate called for the Board of Visitors to halt the search for next president and for the immediate resignation of Rector Rachel Sheridan and Vice Rector Porter Wilkinson during its Friday meeting.

By a vote of 41-17-2, the Senate passed a “resolution calling for leadership rooted in transparency and accountability,” citing “need leadership that is transparent, accountable and brave and that is not tainted by the ongoing and as yet unanswered questions surrounding the decisions and actions of the BOV in the forced resignation of President Ryan.”

In debate, the reason behind the resolution was cited as the lack of transparency from the pair, including Sheridan’s refusal to appear before the Senate. Thursday, Sheridan sent the Senate a letter laying out her version of the events that led to former UVA president Jim Ryan’s resignation.

Friday, Ryan sent the body a letter laying out his side of the story. The Senate debated delaying a vote on the resolution to allow members more time to read the letters and for more information to come forward, but that was voted down.

The Senate also considered amending the resolution to remove Wilkinson’s name, but that was defeated 41-22-7.

The Board was also scheduled to consider a resolution opposing interim president Paul Mahoney’s decision to sign an agreement with the United States Department of Justice

Friday’s meeting began with an appearance by Mahoney, defending the school’s decision to sign an agreement with the Department of Justice binding it to following the Trump Administration’s view of current Civil Rights law.