A policy banning discrimination based on sexual orientation remains in effect at Virginia Tech, at least for now, despite a directive from the state attorney general that public colleges and universities remove such protections.

Cuccinelli's letter argues that colleges and universities have no authority to protect the rights of gays, lesbians and other sexual minorities without an act of the General Assembly.

What do you think?

 While it is true that Sexual Orientation is not a protected status under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Attorney General may wish to review Romer v. Evans.  The Supreme Court of the United States held that it was unconstitutional for a state (Colorado) to amend its constitution to prohibit any judicial, legislative, or executive action that sought to protect persons from discrimination based on their homosexual, ***, or bisexual orientation.  This seems quite analogous to this situation where a member of the executive branch is telling another state entity, Virginia Tech, that it cannot protect homosexuals from discrimination.  In his holding, Justice Kennedy stated that "If the constitutional conception of 'equal protection of the laws' means anything, it must at the very least mean that a bare desire to harm a politically unpopular group cannot constitute a legitimate governmental interest."  I do not believe that there is any legitimate governmental interest behind Mr. Cuccinelli telling VT that it cannot protect a group of persons from discrimination.  In fact, the only reason I can find is animous towards a particular group of people.  Sorry Mr. A.G., I respectfully dissent. 

I agree with MiamiHokie and would add that Mr. Cucinelli's letter is seemingly nothing more than an effort to make inflammatory statements to stir up those in the public who have nothing better to do than harp on the personal lives of their neighbors. Also, Cranwell and Sen. Warner's questioning of the timing of this statement is quite valid. People are struggling to heat their homes, pay their rent and feed their children because they can't find jobs. Encouraging institutions of higher education to basically exclude the very people who could possibly help solve these problems is bizarre. The article mentions that Mr. Cucinelli's letter was not a directive, but legal advise. Was it even solicited? I think Mr. Cucinelli's attention would be better spent on prosecuting criminals and promoting preventative programs, like higher education, for ALL who seek it. And Governor McDonnell has alienated enough constituents with his proposed budget cuts. I would hope that he would seize this moment to atleast partially redeem himself as someone who has foresight and integrity by eschewing Mr. Cucinelli's blatant attempt to dismiss valuable members of our society.

I am certainly not a legal scholar but it seems Cucinelli would have been right at home in Nazi Germany.......who next Ken?   Asians, Spanish speaking, blacks, us hated Yankees?

 It's sad that a state could stoop so low as to elect people so brainwashed by Pat Robertson to such highly elected office. But the people of the state elected them so we will have to go on being embarrassed by their bigotry and hatred until the next election. It will be a great administration for the KKK and the anti christians of the state.