Attorney General Jay Jones announced on April 11 a series of recent actions taken by his office, including legal efforts to defend Virginia’s election processes, raising awareness about fair housing rights, and supporting survivors of sexual violence.
These initiatives are part of the attorney general’s ongoing work to address civil rights enforcement and provide assistance to victims across the Commonwealth. The Attorney General of Virginia supports civil rights enforcement and victim assistance programs, as indicated on the official website.
Jones continues to challenge federal overreach by joining a lawsuit against an executive order from the Trump administration that he said undermines state authority over elections. “Voter suppression tactics have taken many different forms over the course of many generations. I am the grandson of people who were very present and prominent in the civil rights movement here in Virginia—people who gave their all to make sure that descendants like me had the right to vote. I sit across the dinner table from family members who were denied the right to vote simply because of the color of their skin,” Jones said. He also stated, “I’m proud to join attorneys general across the country in defending the right to the franchise and to use every legal tool available to us to stop the president’s illegal power grab.” He further added, “If you’re going to make changes to election administration it’s going to come through Congress. Not through the president and not through an executive order. States have had tremendous success in administering their own elections, managing their own elections, managing their own voter rolls.” According to Jones, “This is a blatant attempt by Donald Trump to sow confusion and distrust in our democratic processes and to influence the midterm elections for his own personal gain.”
The Attorney General provides legal counsel and representation for state agencies while promoting public safety throughout Virginia as detailed on its official website. In recognition of National Fair Housing Month, Jones honored past civil rights leaders’ dedication leading up to passage of landmark legislation such as The Fair Housing Act in 1968.
Jones also participated with his staff in Wear Teal Day on April 7 as part of a nationwide effort supporting survivors of sexual assault. “My office stands ready to support survivors of sexual assault with resources and information… Thank you…in raising awareness,” he said during this campaign.
The Attorney General addresses issues including human trafficking and domestic violence through legal advocacy according its official site. Services such as consumer protection resources for identity theft are also provided as noted online.
Looking ahead, Jones will deliver a keynote address at Norfolk State University’s spring commencement on May 9 for nearly 600 graduates—a role he described as an honor given his ties as a lifelong Norfolk resident.
