A Virginia law restricting how colleges and universities review applicants' criminal histories is facing renewed criticism following a deadly shooting at Old Dominion University in Norfolk on Thursday, March 12, 2026.

Former Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares pointed to the 2019 "ban-the-box" law signed by then-Gov. Ralph Northam as a central factor that put the ODU campus at risk, arguing in an interview with Fox News Digital on Monday that the law and broader Democratic public-safety policies continue under current Gov. Abigail Spanberger.

The issue has sparked pointed debate over how Virginia balances criminal justice reform with campus safety, with Miyares and other critics contending that progressive policies have produced dangerous consequences at the state's institutions of higher learning.

The Law That Barred Colleges From Asking About Criminal Records

The law in question, passed in 2019, prohibits Virginia colleges from asking about an applicant's criminal history on admissions applications. It also prevents institutions from rejecting applicants solely based on having a criminal record. The legislation was part of a broader "ban-the-box" effort championed by Democrats during the Northam administration to reduce workplace and educational stigmas associated with prior convictions.

The bill was sponsored by now-Sen. Lashrecse Aird, a Democrat representing Petersburg. According to Miyares, warnings were raised during floor debate that the measure would make colleges and universities "ticking time bombs," but it passed nonetheless.

Mohamed Bailor Jalloh was identified as the shooter at Old Dominion University on March 12, 2026. Emergency officials gathered outside the Norfolk campus after reports of an active shooter on Thursday. Miyares, now a partner at Torridon Law, posted on social media that Jalloh "was convicted of a terrorism felony" and "sentenced to 11 years in prison," alleging ODU did not know his criminal background because of the Northam-era law.

Miyares Calls Policy "Exhibit A" of Failed Approach

"I think this is Exhibit A of Democrats' criminal-first, victim-last policies," Miyares told Fox News Digital. "This is exactly the type of policies [we've] warned that if we implement this, this is going to create harm for innocent victims and, candidly, they don't care."

He elaborated on the practical implications, arguing that enrolled students with campus identification enjoy broad access to buildings and facilities. "Obviously, the police have to do the investigation, but if you're an enrolled student, you have a student ID, and there's really no place that you don't have access to go," he said. "And, in this case, use it to attack the innocent too."

Miyares placed blame squarely on Democrats, saying they "don't care about the innocent [but] care about championing the rights of felons over the safety of everyday Virginians. And I think we saw tragic results." He added that Northam "signed the law, a bill that made every college campus in Virginia less safe."

Spanberger Administration Drawn Into the Controversy

Miyares extended his criticism to Gov. Abigail Spanberger, connecting her to Northam's legacy. He noted that Spanberger appointed Northam to the board of the Virginia Military Institute, a historic institution in Lexington that has been associated with figures including CSA Gen. Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson and President Donald Trump's current Army chief, Gen. Dan "Raising" Caine.

"Who did she appoint? She fired some of the Youngkin appointees … and [put] Ralph Northam on the board of one of Virginia's great public universities," Miyares said. "The man who has made our universities less safe, he is now helping to govern them." He added, "Only in this world, in the left-wing world, do you do policy issues and legislation that actually makes the problem worse, and you get a promotion."

Miyares also aimed for Spanberger's broader governing record. "I think Abigail Spanberger is like a really bad used car salesman in that when she ran for office, she was saying, 'Look under the hood. We're going to be focusing on affordability," he said. "What they've done instead is add a carbon tax to your utility bill, raise multiple taxes from DoorDash to Netflix, even try to tax your mattresses." He said he is "still waiting for the moderate Abigail Spanberger to make an appearance in Capitol Square." Spanberger declined to comment on Miyares' criticisms.

Anti-Crime Initiative Ended Under New Attorney General

Miyares also criticized current Attorney General Jay Jones for ending Operation Ceasefire, an anti-crime program Miyares launched after defeating Mark Herring in the 2021 election. Miyares said the initiative focused on repeat offenders and traffickers and helped reduce crime rates at a time when murder was at a 20-year high. In a separate statement issued in February, Miyares called the program's termination "the deliberate dismantling of a proven, life-saving public safety initiative by the Democrats' monopoly in Richmond."

Jones did not respond to a request for comment. The former attorney general has faced separate controversies, including community service stemming from a reckless driving arrest on Interstate 64 in New Kent and remarks regarding the family of former House Speaker Todd Gilbert of Shenandoah County. Miyares also referenced controversy in Fairfax involving Democratic Commonwealth's Attorney Steven Descano.

On immigration, Miyares argued that the Spanberger administration refuses to notify ICE even when undocumented immigrants are serving felony sentences in Virginia prisons. "It is an absolute preventable tragedy," he said. Meanwhile, Fox News Digital reached out to Ralph Northam, who declined formal comment, stating he had returned to private life as a pediatrician near his hometown of Onancock.

Lessons to Learn

1. Campus communities should advocate for transparent safety protocols. While criminal justice reform serves important social goals, institutions must balance those aims with ensuring students, faculty, and staff are informed about potential threats. Advocating for policies that allow appropriate safety screenings can help protect vulnerable populations.

2. Students and families should remain aware of campus emergency procedures and resources. Knowing evacuation routes, understanding active-shooter protocols, and staying connected to campus alert systems can make a critical difference in emergencies. Personal preparedness is always valuable regardless of broader policy debates.

3. Communities should engage in the legislative process when public-safety laws are being debated. Attending hearings, contacting representatives, and staying informed about proposed changes can influence outcomes that affect everyday safety.

Why This Story Matters

This story matters because it highlights the real-world tension between criminal justice reform and public safety on college campuses across Virginia. The debate over the 2019 ban-the-box law raises fundamental questions about what information educational institutions need to protect their communities. As policymakers continue to shape these laws, the outcome of this discussion could affect admissions policies and safety protocols at universities nationwide.

In summary, the March 12, 2026, shooting at Old Dominion University has reignited a fierce debate over Virginia's ban-the-box law, which prevents colleges from inquiring about applicants' criminal histories. Former Attorney General Jason Miyares has blamed the 2019 Northam-era legislation for creating conditions that allowed a convicted felon to enroll without the university's knowledge, while also criticizing Gov. Abigail Spanberger's administration for continuing what he views as progressive policies that compromise public safety.

Miyares further condemned the termination of his Operation Ceasefire program under Attorney General Jay Jones. Both Spanberger and Jones declined to comment, while Northam said he has returned to practicing medicine in private life.