March 5, 2010

Virginia's attorney general is telling the University of Virginia and other public universities that they have to rescind their policy banning discrimination based on sexual orientation.

Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli reportedly said in a letter to Virginia colleges and universities that only the General Assembly has the authority to extend legal protections to gay state employees, and that colleges that have included such language in their policies have done so without proper authority.

"I think he's going out of his way to enact his own personal vendetta on the gay community," gay rights activist Andre Hakes said.

UVa's policy says the university is committed to equal employment and affirmative action.

"To fulfill this commitment," the policy reads, "the university administers its programs, procedures and practices without regard to age, color, sexual orientation" and a number of other categories.

The university did not have much to say about the letter. They issued a statement.

"The university received a letter, marked privileged and confidential, from the attorney general. Any questions about the letter will need to be addressed to the attorney general or his office," the statement said.

Calls to the attorney general's office were not returned. The Family Foundation in Richmond applauded the letter, saying current policies are unnecessary to attract top students and faculty. Some said it's a step in the wrong direction.

"The Republican administration is really seeking to roll back protections and actually encourage discrimination," Hakes said.

Meanwhile, both sides anxiously await to see how or if universities react.

The General Assembly killed a bill earlier this week that would have extended legal protections for gay state employees.