Can I be terminated for refusing to engage in illegal conduct?

Yes, you can be terminated for refusing to engage in illegal conduct in Virginia. Whistleblower law in Virginia protects employees from retaliation for refusing to comply with an employer’s illegal acts. Under both state and federal law, employers may not terminate employees for reporting violations of the law to government or law enforcement agencies or for blowing the whistle on an employer’s illegal activities. The Virginia Whistleblower Act (VWA) offers protection to employees taking action against illegal practices by an employer. The law protects employees who report or are about to report violations of law or of a public policy, or who has testified or is about to testify in a judicial proceeding. Additionally, the Virginia Human Rights Act (VHRA) provides civil rights protections to employees to protect against any kind of employer retaliation, discrimination, or harassment. It states that it is illegal to terminate an employee in retaliation for refusing to engage in illegal conduct. If you do face any retaliatory action for refusing to engage in illegal conduct, you should contact the nearest Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) field office or get a lawyer. You can also file a complaint with the local EEOC or the Virginia State Bar Association.

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Can I be terminated for refusing to engage in illegal conduct?

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