The University of Virginia signed a four-page agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice that pauses five federal investigations in exchange for changes to admissions and hiring practices. Interim President Paul Mahoney described the accord as the “best available path forward,” while some faculty and Democratic lawmakers blasted the pact as a capitulation to the Trump administration. Under the agreement UVA will adopt policies aligned with DOJ guidance on diversity, equity and inclusion and submit quarterly compliance reports to the agency; the DOJ will close the probes if the university meets specified benchmarks by Dec. 31, 2028. The settlement follows months of federal pressure after the administration paused or terminated several research grants at other institutions. Faculty and campus advocates warned the deal could set a template for future federal demands on public universities and chill campus diversity initiatives; university officials said the pact does not require an admission of wrongdoing or external monitors. Legal experts note the arrangement is notable because it ties investigatory pause to institutional policy changes rather than litigation. Clarification: DOJ “guidance” referenced here is nonbinding federal direction about campus practices, but the agreement effectively makes compliance a condition for ending investigations.