University equal opportunity statement 2025 update

From: Office for Civil Rights Compliance and Prevention Education

The federal government issued an executive order titled “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity”on Jan. 21, 2025. This new executive order rescinded Executive Order 11246, which required federal contractors to practice affirmative action in employment; however, compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1972, covering people with disabilities, and the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Act, which covers protected Veterans remains in effect. As a result, Virginia Tech is readjusting its compliance strategies to better align with the evolving regulatory landscape. As additional guidance becomes available out of Washington, Virginia Tech will provide further updates. The university will continue to uphold principles of nondiscrimination and equal opportunity for all university employees. 

The Office for Civil Rights Compliance and Prevention Education and university leadership have revised the equal opportunity statements to reflect the most recent federal directive. The statement options can be found on the VT Equal Opportunity page. In addition to job advertisements and recruitment materials, organizational leaders are encouraged to review websites, brochures, and other forms of communications and revise them as necessary to ensure correct language. 

The university letterhead template has been updated to reflect the revised EO statement. Please download the new template at letterhead files on Virginia Tech Brand Center and discontinue use of the old template.