RICHMOND, Va. (CBS19 NEWS) -- A controversial appointee will be taking up a position with the University of Virginia Board of Visitors.

Bert Ellis was nominated by Governor Glenn Youngkin, sparking concerns from various groups on Grounds.

Earlier this month, Democratic lawmakers in the state Senate did not give their approval for Ellis to serve on the BOV.

However, Ellis will now be taking the post after a floor debate and vote during which two Democrats joined Republicans to strike down an amendment that would have blocked Youngkin’s appointment.

The vote was tied 20 to 20.

Groups of Grounds, including the UVA Student Democrats, have vocally opposed Ellis due to past alleged incidents.

These incidents include one in 2020 when he reportedly brought a razor to Grounds to cut down a sign criticizing the university that had been hung by a student living on the Lawn.