The governor’s office is asking public colleges and universities in Virginia to verify that their investments, including those tied to endowments and foundations, are free from social or political interests. In a letter obtained by Cardinal News dated July 9, state education secretary Aimee Guidera and finance secretary Stephen Cummings said the state wants to ensure higher education institutions’ “commitment to invest in a manner that prioritizes risk-adjusted investment returns independent of social, political or ideological interests.” The request stems from a conversation between Gov. Glenn Youngkin and the state Council of Presidents in March, according to the letter, which also cites “recent calls for colleges and universities to divest assets tied to Israel.”
