Governor Bob McDonnell issued an executive directive Wednesday night to make it clear that state agencies should not discriminate against gay and lesbian people, who are applying for jobs.

The statement was meant to clear up some confusion. after a letter from attorney general Ken Cuccinelli said colleges can't prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, because that was not part of state law.

Cuccinelli said only the general assembly could change that.
Cuccinelli letter was received by James Madison University and school officials are reviewing it.
Despite the governor's statement A local gay rights activist says the damage may have already been done.
She's concerned that Cuccinelli letter will lead to discrimination against gays and lesbians looking for work.

"We can not in Virginia go backwards in terms of awarding civil rights or recognizing the civil and human rights," says Linda Royster, spokesperson for the Shenandoah Valley Gay and Lesbian Association.

She says she's not surprised by Cuccinelli letter, but she finds it bizarre that he directed it towards colleges and universities.
"He promised to hurt us, and he's trying to do it in every way he can," says Royster.

Governor Bob McDonnell is trying to clear up the confusion, and put people at ease.
An executive directive issued Wednesday by McDonnell states in part, that "employment discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated by this administration"

The directive also states that allegations of any violation of the law will be taken up with the department of human resource management for review and corrective action.
However Linda Royster feels the damage may have already been done.
"I have do doubt, that other people will begin using this authority to discriminate," says Royster.

Currently James Madison University is reviewing the letter.
"When we received the first letter from the attorney generals office last week, we knew we need to bring that to the board," says JMU spokesman Don Egle.

The board of visitors, which is the campus's governing body, will decide the next step at it's April meeting.
"They'll take a look at it. Beyond that we'll just have to wait and see how that progresses and the conversations take place," says Egle. The Shenandoah Valley Gay and Lesbian Association plans to meet next week, to determine the proper action to take.