The Virginia State Senate confirmed University Rector Helen Dragas’ reappointment to the Board of Visitors Monday afternoon. Dragas now awaits confirmation by the House of Delegates.
Gov. Bob McDonnell reappointed Dragas June 31 after she acted to oust and subsequently reinstate University President Teresa Sullivan. Protest groups such as Hoos University and U.Va. Alumni for Responsible Corporate Governance have since formed in opposition to Dragas. A petition against Dragas’ reappointment has garnered nearly 2,400 signatures.
Student Council passed a unanimous resolution during an emergency session Friday afternoon urging the General Assembly to block Dragas’ confirmation.
Senate Joint Resolution 324 passed the Senate with a vote of 29-9. Sens. Creigh Deeds (D-Bath County), Adam Ebbin (D-Alexandria), Barbara Favola (D-Arlington), Mark Herring (D-Leesburg), Janet Howell (D-Fairfax County), Mamie Locke (D-Hampton), David Marsden (D-Burke), Ralph Northam (D-Norfolk) and Toddy Puller (D-Mount Vernon) voted against the bill.