Former Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares has highlighted the potential public safety risks associated with a Democrat-backed law in Virginia that restricts colleges from reviewing applicants' criminal histories. His comments come in the wake of an attack at Old Dominion University (ODU) carried out by an individual who had a felony conviction. Miyares refers to the law as 'Exhibit A' in a series of policies he believes jeopardize public safety, suggesting that it allows individuals with serious criminal records to gain admission to educational institutions without adequate scrutiny.

The law, often referred to as a 'ban-the-box' measure, was enacted during the tenure of former Governor Ralph Northam, with the intention of reducing workplace stigmatization for those with criminal pasts. However, Miyares argues that the implementation of this law has unintended consequences, citing the case of Mohamed Jalloh, who had previously been convicted of terrorism-related charges. Jalloh was able to enroll at ODU without the university being aware of his criminal history due to this restriction on the application process.

Miyares' statements have sparked a larger debate on the balance between social justice laws aimed at rehabilitation and public safety concerns. Critics of the law echo his sentiments, advocating for a reconsideration of policies that might compromise security in educational settings. As incidents like the one at ODU come to light, questions surrounding the efficacy and implications of such laws continue to fuel discussions in Virginia and beyond.