STATEMENT OF LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR BOLLING ON EMPLOYMENT DISCRIMINATION

Contact: Ibbie Hedrick

Phone: 804-786-2078

Cell: 804-677-0009

Email: Ibbie.Hedrick@ltgov.virginia.gov

 

RICHMOND – Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling today issued the following statement regarding employment discrimination policies in the Commonwealth:

“In recent days, Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli issued a letter to Virginia’s colleges and universities informing them that their internal employment discrimination policies could not prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation because such prohibitions were not authorized under state law. While the Attorney General’s legal advice is consistent with that of other Attorneys General before him, it has created some understandable confusion and concern.

“Earlier today, Governor McDonnell issued a directive reiterating the policy of our administration as it relates to important employment practices. I agree wholeheartedly with that statement.

“As the Governor has said many times, we do not support and we will not tolerate employment related discrimination in any form. In this administration, personnel decisions will be based on qualification and performance, and prompt and appropriate disciplinary action will be taken against anyone who violates this policy.

“While various federal and state statutes set forth certain classifications in which employment related discrimination is prohibited as a matter of law, our policy and practice will be much broader than this.  All state employees should take comfort in knowing that we will not tolerate employment related discrimination in any form or for any reason, including sexual orientation.”

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