Press Releases

Lawsuit against Liberty University for firing transgender employee to move forward

“It's no surprise the judge ruled our case can move forward. Workplace discrimination against transgender people is against the law – no matter your religious beliefs,” said ACLU of Virginia Senior Transgender Rights Attorney Wyatt Rolla.
Issue Areas: LGBTQ+ Rights

All three amendments to Virginia’s Constitution supported by ACLU of Virginia move forward

"Protecting Virginians’ rights will require amending Virginia’s constitution. Today was the first step of this legislative session in a multi-year process, one that will culminate in Virginians themselves voting on whether to enshrine core civil rights safely out of reach of partisan politics."

Trans middle schooler forced to withdraw from Hanover Public County Schools even after a federal judge ruled in her favor

"Not even a federal judge ruling in her favor was enough to protect her from such serious ongoing harassment and concerns about her safety that Janie was forced to withdraw from Hanover County Public Schools," said ACLU-VA Senior Transgender Rights Attorney Wyatt Rolla.
Issue Areas: LGBTQ+ Rights

ACLU of Virginia to champion three separate amendments to Virginia’s constitution to safeguard Virginians’ rights

“Enshrining our civil rights and civil liberties in Virginia’s constitution would mean no matter what happens at the federal level, Virginians’ rights would be as secure as possible," said ACLU-VA Executive Director Mary Bauer. "We’ll be working to do just that with three constitutional amendments."

We need you in the fight for Virginians’ civil rights and civil liberties in a second Trump term

“The results of yesterday’s election are clear, and so is the threat to our democracy that a second Trump presidential term represents," said ACLU of Virginia Executive Director Mary Bauer. "We’re ready to fight any attack on these rights with the full force of the ACLU of Virginia."

Liberty University sued for firing Ellenor Zinski for being transgender

“No one should be fired because of who they are – but Liberty University made it clear that’s exactly why it fired Ellenor,” said ACLU of Virginia Senior Transgender Rights Attorney Wyatt Rolla.
Issue Areas: LGBTQ+ Rights

York County Circuit Court allows Virginia Department of Education’s anti-trans model policies to evade scrutiny

“The Virginia Department of Education didn’t want to defend its anti-trans model policies in a court of law because it knew they can’t stand up to scrutiny," said ACLU of Virginia Senior Transgender Attorney Wyatt Rolla.
Issue Areas: LGBTQ+ Rights

Virginia’s leaders should focus on making Virginia schools safe for students of all gender identities

“It’s the job of adults to put kids first, and the job of public schools everywhere to affirm their students," said ACLU of Virginia Policy and Legislative Counsel Breanna Diaz.
Issue Areas: LGBTQ+ Rights

Transgender athlete banned from playing sports in Hanover County Public Schools files Title IX lawsuit

“By bullying a transgender young person in its district, Hanover County Public Schools are depriving our client of opportunities every public school student should have," said ACLU of Virginia Senior Transgender Attorney Wyatt Rolla.
Issue Areas: LGBTQ+ Rights