RICHMOND, VA (CVILLERIGHTNOW) – UPDATED 3/27 11:40AM: Governor Youngkin has removed firebrand University of Virginia Board of Visitors member Bert Ellis for what he claims is “conduct on many occasions (that) has violated the Commonwealth’s Code of Conduct for our Board and Commissions and the Board of Visitors’ Statement of Visitor Responsibilities”. The Governor does not detail any specifics, but Ellis has challenged closed session board content, and footage exists of him directly confronting University police for what he claimed one Saturday night was insufficient patrolling of The Corner.

After his dismissal, Ellis responded with an open letter distributed through a PR firm Hesperia Strategies formed by former Republican National Committee Communications Director Keith Schipper:

“DEI at the University of Virginia has not been eliminated. Governor Youngkin should reverse his decision so we can hold the university President Jim Ryan accountable, ensure that common sense returns to UVA by ending DEI for good, stopping antisemitism, and reducing costs at the university. This fight is not for the faint of heart and requires a fighter to ensure that the Governor’s and President Trump’s agendas are achieved. I never agreed to resign nor would I ever do so. Words matter, but actions matter even more. Unfortunately, the Governor has been misled by bad actors who don’t actually want to see results. Here is my plea to the Governor, the UVA community, and the men and women of the Commonwealth of Virginia: this is not the time to surrender to these ideological bullies at UVA. They are in retreat. We must dig in and hold the line. This is our moment to restore common sense and integrity to UVA. If we do not stand firm now, we risk losing everything we have fought for. UVA can once again be a beacon of excellence, the shining city on the hill, and a model for the nation. That is my mission. I have been steadfast in this fight, and I will remain so—regardless of the Governor’s decision.”

“Background on Bert: 

Bert Ellis was appointed to the Board of Visitors by Governor Youngkin in 2022. Ellis graduated from the University of Virginia 50 years ago this spring. He also graduated from the Darden Graduate School of Business. He lived at 13 West Lawn during his time at UVA, and today proudly flies the UVA flag under his American flag at his home. 

Bert Ellis started The Jefferson Council to stand up for the ideals of Thomas Jefferson, to rejuvenate the Honor System at UVA, and raise awareness about the absolute insanity taking place at UVA. He was awarded the White Rose from The White Rose Society for my fights against antisemitism at UVA. And he drew attention and ultimately forced the removal of the “F* UVA” sign posted on a Lawn Door on campus. Most recently, he rallied the BOV members to eliminate DEI at UVA.”


Later Wednesday night, the Governor issued a release that he plans to appoint former Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli to the UVA BOV. Cuccinelli is a 1991 mechanical engineering grad from UVA, and later earned his JD from George Mason University. He served as state Attorney General from 2010-to-2014 and lost a subsequent election for Governor. He served in the first Trump Administration as Principal Deputy Director of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services and later as Acting Director and Acting Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security.  Youngkin wrote, “Ken Cuccinelli is a man of deep principle and an incredibly accomplished Virginian. As a former Attorney General of Virginia, he has always stood firm for the rule of law and the values that make our Commonwealth strong,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “Ken’s legal and policy expertise will be incredibly valuable to ensure swift action with the ongoing changes and challenges in higher education. I have full confidence he will help ensure Mr. Jefferson’s University remains a place of opportunity, merit, and academic freedom.”

“It is an honor to return to public service in the Commonwealth of Virginia as a member of the UVA Board of Visitors,” said Ken Cuccinelli. “As an alumnus who loves this university deeply, I’m committed to aggressively advancing plans to restore a culture of merit and end all forms of discrimination. I look forward to the important work of reducing administrative spending to keep the University affordable for students and parents and passionately defending free speech.”

Click here for the Governor’s announcement of Ellis’ removal.
Click here for the Governor’s Cuccinelli announcement.

ORIGINAL:

Governor Glenn Youngkin has removed U. Bertram “Bert” Ellis, Jr. from the University of Virginia Board of Visitors, according to a letter released Wednesday pursuant to subsection D of Virginia Code § 23.1-1300.

In the letter, Youngkin wrote:

“Pursuant to subsection D of § 23.1-1300 of the Code of Virginia, I hereby remove Mr. U. Bertram ‘Bert’ Ellis, Jr. as a member of the University of Virginia Board of Visitors.”

No additional details were included in the letter regarding the reasoning for the removal. Subsection D of the cited code authorizes the Governor to remove board members “for cause.”

The University of Virginia and Governor Youngkin’s office have not issued further comment as of publication.

This is a developing story.