Civil Rights Enforcement Unit Established by U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of VA

The U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia (EDVA), G. Zachary Terwilliger, announced he is creating a Civil Rights Enforcement Unit in his office that will be dedicated to enforcing the rights of persons with disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and enforcing the rights of servicemembers and veterans under statutes like the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act and the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act.  This is an important development and a warning for all employers and facilities of public accommodation within the jurisdiction of the EDVA as ADA compliance can be complicated and confusing, and it is often misunderstood.  Businesses should anticipate increased enforcement actions.

He noted it will be the only unit among the U.S. Attorney offices nationwide with multiple lawyers dedicated to such a purpose. The new unit institutionalizes and expands EDVA’s existing Civil Rights Enforcement Program and will combine case-based advocacy with community outreach and training to further expand assistance to veterans with disabilities. 

Williams Mullen attorneys have experience working on ADA matters and work often with the U.S. Attorney offices, including the lead for the EDVA’s new Civil Rights Enforcement Unit.  

To read the full press release click here.