Incoming Democratic Virginia Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger is wasting no time setting the tone for her administration—and it’s a familiar one. On Tuesday, Spanberger announced the appointment of Dr. Sesha Joi Moon as the Commonwealth’s chief diversity officer and director of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), praising Moon’s background across government, education, and the nonprofit sector as an asset to Virginia. What the announcement didn’t mention, however, is Moon’s past agreement with comments suggesting parts of the U.S. Constitution should be dismantled.
In an August 2024 appearance on Raben’s “The Ask” podcast, Moon appeared to affirm remarks made by Whitney Tome, a managing principal at Raben, who criticized the Constitution’s structure. Tome argued that while phrases like “we the people” are often celebrated, the Constitution failed to recognize her as a person. Moon responded with a clear and enthusiastic, “Correct!”
When Tome went further, saying she often thinks about “what part of that do we need to dismantle to truly get to vision,” Moon replied, “Oh, you’re my type of girl.” Apparently, nothing says “public service” quite like bonding over dismantling foundational documents.
Moon has also publicly claimed that DEI is not merely a policy preference but a constitutional requirement. Speaking at Forbes’ BLK Summit in June 2024, she said she approaches DEI from what she called a “nonpartisan lens,” adding, “It is actually a constitutional mandate.” That interpretation may come as news to anyone who has actually read the Constitution.
Despite the controversy, Moon expressed gratitude for her new role in a statement released Tuesday. She said she is “deeply honored” by the nomination and looks forward to joining Spanberger’s cabinet as the administration works to expand access to opportunity across Virginia, including in what she described as “some of the hardest-to-reach communities.”
Moon previously served as chief diversity officer for the U.S. House of Representatives during the 117th and 118th Congresses, a position she was appointed to by former Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Her résumé also includes roles as chief impact officer for Girl Scouts USA and chief diversity officer at the National Institute of Standards and Technology within the Commerce Department. A Richmond native, Moon now lives in Fairfax County with her pet cockapoo, Benji, according to her LinkedIn profile.
In 2023, Moon was recognized by the Human Capital Institute at the United Nations as one of the “100 Most Influential People of African Descent,” adding another credential to an already lengthy list.
Spanberger’s press team did not immediately respond to requests for comment, and Moon was not reachable at the time of reporting.
For Virginians paying attention, the appointment offers a clear preview of the priorities ahead. The upside? Transparency comes early. Voters now know exactly what kind of ideology is being elevated—and with that clarity comes the opportunity for informed debate, accountability, and renewed appreciation for leaders who still believe the Constitution is something to defend, not dismantle.
