To the University of Virginia community,\nLike all of you, we were shocked when Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli told our colleges and universities they could not prevent discrimination based on sexual orientation. Not only was the attorney general's advice legally questionable, but it sends the absolute wrong message about the atmosphere in Virginia. We have always known this to be a welcoming and respectful place, but our attorney general wants to make members of the LGBT community second-class citizens.
Let us bring you up to date on the latest developments in Richmond regarding the fight against discrimination. Governor Bob McDonnell, who removed protections for gay workers from his nondiscrimination executive order, issued an "executive directive" against discrimination in the state workforce. This is a good gesture, but unfortunately does not carry any weight of law and it does not provide a course of action for students or employees who are discriminated against because of their sexual orientation. We feel that everyone has the right to work and learn in an environment free from discrimination which is why we voted last month to put discrimination protections in the law. All 22 of our fellow Democratic senators supported the bill with only one Republican joining us. However, the Republican-controlled House of Delegates killed the measure and Governor McDonnell's office said he had "no position" on the legislation.
So where do we stand now? No matter what Attorney General Cuccinelli says, your schools should continue to be places that welcome the best and brightest from all over the world regardless of age, race, sexual orientation or any other characteristic. Our campuses are, and will continue to be, places where people of all backgrounds and ideologies engage in civil dialogue to produce well-rounded citizens that will be the workforce of tomorrow. The University of Virginia is more than capable of deciding what policies advance its mission, and should do so without meddling from Attorney General Cuccinelli. We have been encouraged and proud to see so many students repudiate the misguided advice of Attorney General Cuccinelli, but the most important thing you can do to combat this is to make sure that your campus communities embrace and respect all students and faculty and value their contributions to your education. Meanwhile, as your state senators, we will continue to fight for meaningful discrimination protections for all Virginians.\n\nSen. R. Creigh Deeds\nSen. Mark Herring, Clas '83\nSen. Ralph S. Northam
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