Executive Order 9 – Equal Opportunity and Updated EEO Posters

 

MEMORANDUM

TO:                             Agency HR Directors, EEO Officers and CDOs

FROM:                      Janet Lawson, Director – Department of Human Resource Management  

DATE:                       March 10, 2026

SUBJECT:                Executive Order 9 – Equal Opportunity and Updated EEO Posters 

On January 17, 2026, Governor, Abigail D. Spanberger, issued Executive Order Nine (2026), Equal Opportunity. This Executive Order supersedes and rescinds Executive Order No. 1 (2018) issued by Governor Ralph S. Northam on January 13, 2018.

Executive Order Nine is materially identical to EO 1 (2018) and affirms the policy of the Commonwealth of Virginia to ensure equal opportunity in all facets of state government. The Executive Order is premised upon a steadfast commitment to foster a culture of inclusion, diversity, and mutual respect for all Virginians. The policy specifically prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, political affiliation, or against qualified persons with disabilities. The policy permits appropriate employment preferences for veterans and specifically prohibits discrimination against veterans. 

If your agency policies reference EO 1 (2018), please make sure to update them to reflect EO 9 (2026).

The Department of Human Resource Management’s (DHRM) Office of Workforce Engagement (OWE) has also updated the state equal employment opportunity (EEO) poster, which is available for printing on the Virginia Correctional Enterprises’ website. As a reminder, these posters are intended to educate employees on EEO-protected categories and covered employment practices, as well as inform them of their EEO rights. State employees can also learn more about the resources and services available to them through our Office.

Agencies are responsible for informing employees and managers that employment discrimination is illegal and remind them of all relevant state and federal laws that prohibit employment discrimination. Agencies are expected to share and display the EEO posters throughout their workplaces where they can be accessed and viewed by employees and/or applicants.

For questions regarding EEO Posters or the EEO complaint process, please contact the Office of Workforce Engagement at (804) 225–2136 or via email at owe@dhrm.virginia.gov.