Table of Contents
• A Renewed Focus on Equal Opportunity in Virginia
• What Does Executive Order 9 Do?
• What This Means for State Employees
• What This Means for Private Sector Employees
• Contact an Employment Lawyer
A Renewed Focus on Equal Opportunity in Virginia
In one of her first acts in office, Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger signed Executive Order 9 in January 2026, establishing a comprehensive equal opportunity policy for the Commonwealth . The order addresses employment practices within state government and sets clear expectations for private employers that do business with the state. It signals a renewed commitment to enforcing nondiscrimination standards and ensuring fair treatment for all workers.
This order reinforces existing protections and clarifies the process for handling discrimination complaints, making it a significant development for both public and private sector employees in Virginia.
What Does Executive Order 9 Do?
Executive Order 9 prohibits discrimination in all facets of state government, including employment, appointments, and the procurement of goods and services. The policy provides broad protections, forbidding discrimination based on:
•Race
•Color
•Sex
•National Origin
•Religion
•Age
•Disability
•Sexual Orientation
•Gender Identity or Expression
•Political Affiliation
•Veteran Status
The order also directs state agencies to take affirmative steps to ensure their recruitment and hiring processes are open and accessible to qualified candidates from all backgrounds. It makes clear that these efforts are not about lowering standards, but about broadening the applicant pool to ensure the most qualified individuals are considered.
“This policy is designed to ensure that all Virginians have an equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from state government.” – Governor Abigail Spanberger, Executive Order 9
What This Means for State Employees
For state employees, the executive order serves as a powerful reinforcement of their rights. It establishes a clear framework for reporting and investigating claims of discrimination and expressly prohibits any form of retaliation against those who come forward. Key takeaways for state workers include:
•Clear Reporting Channels: The order directs that all allegations of discrimination be reported to the appropriate state oversight office for a thorough investigation.
•Protection from Retaliation: It is illegal for a state agency to take adverse action against an employee for reporting discrimination or participating in an investigation.
•Accountability: State employees found to have violated the equal opportunity policy may face disciplinary action.
This order signals an expectation that state agencies will be proactive in fostering a fair and inclusive workplace, rather than simply reacting to complaints.
What This Means for Private Sector Employees
While Executive Order 9 does not directly regulate private businesses, it has significant implications for any company that holds or seeks a contract with the Commonwealth of Virginia. State procurement practices must now align with the principles of the executive order, meaning contractors will be expected to demonstrate their own commitment to equal opportunity.
For employees of these companies, this provides an additional layer of protection. If your employer is a state contractor, they are now under greater scrutiny to ensure their hiring, promotion, and workplace policies are free from discrimination.
Even for companies that do not do business with the state, the order serves as a strong indicator of the administration’s priorities. It reflects a policy direction that may influence future legislation and regulations affecting all private employers in Virginia.
Contact an Employment Lawyer
Whether you are a state employee who has faced discrimination or a private sector worker who believes your employer is not upholding their commitments as a state contractor, it is important to understand your rights. The legal team at The Spiggle Law Firm has extensive experience helping Virginia employees navigate complex discrimination claims.
Contact us today for a consultation to discuss your situation and learn how we can help.
References
[1] Executive Order Number 9 (2026), Equal Opportunity, Governor of Virginia. Retrieved from
