Now is the time to show up with your perspective. This is where we tell the elected and appointed folks what we expect them to do to ensure that black and brown folks are not just welcome but thrive and prosper in the Greater Burlington area.
The State Racial Equity Director has been seated; the Mayor has committed to an Equity Officer, reporting to him, and; the City Council is considering a Resolution, creating a Standing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. This is an opportunity to tell them what equity looks like in Burlington.
Please show up and pass this along. The Mayor and City Council are planning to advance proposals later, in July. Let’s not let them move forward without us.
Listening invitations Mayor Weinberger. Confirmed Chief Del Pozo. Confirmed Superintendent Obeng. Invited What Equity Looks Like kin Burlington: As Goes Burlington…
There is lots of talk from elected officials about the necessity for Vermont to grow its economy. It can only do so with a dramatic change of the racial demographics of the State. We all know that this will not be sustainable until we address factors contributing to the systemic nature of racism in the State. The population and race demographics of Burlington scream the fact that “as goes Burlington, so goes Vermont. This is a community conversation about that.
Who are we, as City? Who do we hope to become? How will we get there?
These are some of the questions that many are asking. This strategic session will give us an opportunity to wrestle with some of these questions and discuss some solutions. This will be a forum to hear from the community on matters of equity, diversity and inclusion. This is your opportunity to be heard. Bring your voices. We’ll see you there!
Can you help us with the work that we are doing? Your small donation has an immediate impact on the vitality of this important work. Support this work because the proven results that Justice For All consistently delivers affects YOU! Provide a quick, secure contribution here.
Choose an amount that works for you and CLICK HERE.
On Sunday, July 14th, at 3:00 pm we will be viewing “Slavery by Another Name.” Slavery By Another Name is a 90-minute documentary that challenges one of Americans’ most cherished assumptions: the belief that slavery in this country ended with the Emancipation Proclamation. The film tells how even as chattel slavery came to an end in the South in 1865, thousands of African Americans were pulled back into forced labor with shocking force and brutality. It was a system in which men, often guilty of no crime at all, were arrested, compelled to work without pay, repeatedly bought and sold, and coerced to do the bidding of masters. Tolerated by both the North and South, forced labor lasted well into the 20th century.
For most Americans this is entirely new history. Slavery by Another Name gives voice to the largely forgotten victims and perpetrators of forced labor and features their descendants living today. There will be a brief overview of PR.2, the current proposal addressing slavery in the Vermont constitution. JFA provides community film viewings monthly on the 2nd Sunday.
Help us get the work done here:
CLICK here and help us do the work
Would you like to be a continuing supporter to this important work that we have ahead of us? CLICK HERE!
Justice For All pursues racial justice within Vermont’s criminal justice system through advocacy, education, and relationship-building. Would you like to Become a member?
The US House of Representatives has taken up H.40, a bill that would create a commission to develop proposals to address the lingering effects of slavery and consider a “national apology” for the harm it has caused.
Any discussion about money only distracts us from the lakes of blood and mountains of bodies that continue to mount to this day, as some would have us believe that this all ended 150 years ago and it has nothing to do with us. The discussion is futile because our treasuries do not contain enough to make right what has been made wrong. Vermont policy makers, the best that you can do is to pass H.478 so we can get on with the work.
Vermont H.478 (modeled after H.40) was taken up in House Government Operations on March 21st, 2019. No testimony has been taken. This debate is about addressing the social, emotional, spiritual and economic impacts caused by a nation that has to this day used slavery to build and sustain political and economic power.
It is about acknowledging the self correcting nature of this oppression with the Constitutionalization of prison slavery through the 13th amendment; Commissioning convict leasing; Instituting sharecropping; legalizing segregation, promoting Jim Crow, codifying redlining, limiting the New Deal and GI Bill to whites; criminalizing the Civil Rights movement; policing and incarcerating of black folks disproportionately, deconstructing the Voting Rights Act and much, much more.
And please, don’t ask another black person if we think that you should give us money.
Summer in Vermont It’s almost summer and we’re not checking out – We’re checking in. We’re checking in to wish you an amazing summer. With such a long winter and spring almost behind us, it’s time to enjoy the sun. We hope you have plans to do so.
We’re proud to update you on some of the work that we have accomplished the first half of the year. We have hosted a number of racial equity forums, community events (including an emergency response to excessive use of force) and film viewings in Burlington. We contributed significantly to a City Council’s Resolution to form a Special Committee to review Burlington Community Policing Practices. We recently recommended that the Burlington administration revisit their approach to diversity, equity and inclusion and continue to work with officials to roll out a thoughtful approach. We have also collaborated on diversity and equity with the Snelling Institute’s Leadership Institute and a Community Leadership Action Planning Session with our friends at the Council of Rural Development.
We now turn our attention to the remainder of the year where exciting times lie ahead. We will continue to contribute to the ongoing work of addressing diversity, equity and inclusion in Burlington. This will be in community outreach, education and advocacy. We’re looking forward to digging deeper into the work of the Racial Justice Alliance and educating our constituents in communities across the State on dismantling systemic racism and eliminating poverty. We’re happy to be supporting community grass roots efforts in publishing an open race traffic data collection project sometime in the near future. We’re taking our work to a new level this year. What next can only be defined as a game-changer for Vermont. So check in with us this summer. Here’s what’s happening at a glance:
Details of all of the events are listed below. But first, please stop here.
Can you help us with the work that we are doing? Your small donation has an immediate impact on the vitality of this important work. Support this work because the proven results that Justice For All consistently delivers affects YOU! Provide a quick, secure contribution here.
We sure do appreciate it!
Would you like to be a continuing supporter to this important work that we have ahead of us? CLICK HERE!
Justice For All pursues racial justice within Vermont’s criminal justice system through advocacy, education, and relationship-building. Would you like to Become a member?
Thank you! Here are the details on all JFA related events happening over the next month. All activities will be at the First Congregational Church at 38 S. Winooski, in Burlington.
We’re kicking the summer of with an Organizing Meeting on Wednesday, June 19th form 6:30 till 8:30 pm with a JFA Organizing Meeting. We want to hear more of your thoughts on the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Resolution that is being discussed in the Burlington City Council. We’ll also update you on our work with the Racial Justice Alliance #ChangeVermont with a focus on theConstitutional Amendment (PR.2). You’ll want to hear about the No Taxation or Regulation without Reparations Campaign. JFA Organizing Meetings are every third Wednesday.
On Wednesday, June 23rd from 3:00 till 6:00 pm it’s Game On! Grab the kids, some board games and snacks and meet us for some fun. Sometimes you just have to put fun on calendar. Let’s get together for some mindless fun and talk about nothing. There will be a brief update and discussion on the Burlington Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Resolution. JFA hosts “Game On” Monthly on the 4th Sunday.
Calling all folks self-identifying as people of color, we’re looking for you. On Wednesday, June 26th, from 6:30 till 8:30 pm we are continuing to organize the Racial Justice Alliance POC Steering Committee. The Racial Justice Alliance is the former Racial Justice Reform Coalition, which successfully moved landmark legislation forming the Racial Disparity (Act 54, 2017) and Racial Equity (Act 9, 2018) Panels. This meeting will provide space for Introductions and an Overview and provide an opportunity to Review, Update and Revise the Strategy. The Racial Justice Alliance People Of Color Steering Committee meets Monthly on the 4th Wednesday.
It is imperative that civilian oversight be implemented to ensure appropriate law enforcement transparency and accountability. History has taught us that in the absence of law enforcement transparency and accountability the general public has more times than not questioned law enforcement legitimacy. We have all witnessed numerous instances where the resulting loss of public trust has stood as an obstacle to the crucial working relationship required between law enforcement and the community. Joint the nearly 400 people who agree that we need civilian oversight of law enforcement in Vermont. Click on this link and sign the petition.
On Wednesday, July 3rd from 6:30 till 8:30 pm, we will host “What Equity Looks Like in Burlington.” Who are we, as City? Who do we hope to be? How will we get there? These are some of the questions that many are asking. This strategic session will give us an opportunity to wrestle with some of these questions and discuss some solutions. This will be a forum to hear from the community on matters of equity, diversity and inclusion. This is your opportunity to be heard. Bring your voice. JFA Community Meetingshappen Monthly on the 1st Wednesday.
Come out for the full meeting of the Racial Justice Alliance on July 9th, from 6:30 till 8:30 pm. It has been over six months since the transit and the he Racial Justice Alliance is still very much in the formative phases. This is a time of organizing, outreach, education and planning. We’ll review the first half of the legislative session and reset our priorities. We will conclude with strategic planning on our collaborative work beyond the #ChangeVermont, our legislative agenda. This meeting is for members or those considering joining the Alliance. The Racial Justice Alliance meets Monthly on the 2nd Tuesday.
On Sunday, July 14th, at 3:00 pm we will be viewing “Slavery by Another Name.” Slavery By Another Name is a 90-minute documentary that challenges one of Americans’ most cherished assumptions: the belief that slavery in this country ended with the Emancipation Proclamation. The film tells how even as chattel slavery came to an end in the South in 1865, thousands of African Americans were pulled back into forced labor with shocking force and brutality. It was a system in which men, often guilty of no crime at all, were arrested, compelled to work without pay, repeatedly bought and sold, and coerced to do the bidding of masters. Tolerated by both the North and South, forced labor lasted well into the 20th century.
For most Americans this is entirely new history. Slavery by Another Name gives voice to the largely forgotten victims and perpetrators of forced labor and features their descendants living today. There will be a brief overview of PR.2, the current proposal addressing slavery in the Vermont constitution. JFA provides community film viewings monthly on the 2nd Sunday.
All activities will be at the First Congregational Church at 38 S. Winooski in Burlington.
Help us get the work done here:
CLICK here and help us do the work
Thanks!
Have a great summer!
Sincerely,
Mark Hughes, Executive Director, Justice For All mark@justiceforallvt.org @Justice4AllVT 802.532.3030 https://justiceforallvt.org/
Response to Burlington Police Department Excessive Use of Force
20 May 2019
The latest tragedy in the pattern of racially disparate practices of the Burlington Police Department (BPD) is a symptom of a larger problem – the inability or unwillingness to effectively address overt and systemic racism in Burlington, across the state and the nation. African Americans are still engaged, arrested, convicted and incarcerated at disproportionate rates in Vermont and the data tells us that BPD and the Chittenden County States Attorney are leading contributors to this unfair truth.
In addition to the destruction of lives, the breakdown of trust and a diminishing public safety posture, unconstitutional policing distracts us from the problem of which it is only part. The Vermont Attorney General and the Human Rights Commission Task Force, Act 54, (2017) Racial Disparities in State Systems Report (Act 54 State Systems Report) indicated that “In addition, and likely related to the income disparities, racial disparities have been documented in each of the areas identified in Act 54 (education, labor and employment, housing, healthcare and economic development).”
Last year Vermont adopted Act 9 (2018, special session) a law creating a Racial Equity Director (and Panel) with cabinet level authority. The stated legislative intent of the General Assembly is “to promote racial justice reform throughout the State by mitigating systemic racism in all systems of State government and creating a culture of inclusiveness.” Burlington, the largest city in Vermont with the largest number of African Americans is faced with a unique responsibility. Burlington must take decisive steps to dismantle systemic racism and aggressively respond to ALL forms of overt racism – not distract us with petty defenses of what we all know to be one of many symptoms of this nation’s original sin.
The Weinberger administration’s efforts towards equity and diversity seem largely perfunctory and have been relegated to “initiatives” buried under the Community Economic Development Office with no individual accountability. The 2018 “EquityReport”, with no mention of the Diversity and Equity Strategic Plan fails to communicate vitally important disaggregated race demographics data required to measure progress towards equity and the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee has disbanded.
It is now time for the “conspicuously courageous leadership” referred to in the Strategic Plan five years ago. It is time for elected officials to give consideration to expending the “hard earned political capitol” spoke of in the report to bring about change through meaningful community engagement. As the report suggested, this engagement must encompass “residents from historically marginalized communities who see themselves – and are seen as – full partners in the decision-making, program-planning, and policy-making processes that impact their lives in significant and sustained ways”.
The Act 54 State Systems Report explains, “Addressing these issues also furthers other state goals. To the extent that People of Color are the fastest growing demographic in the state, taking steps to be more inclusive in all aspects of our state systems will further economic growth in a time when our workforce is rapidly aging. In other words, equality of opportunity is good for everyone, White, Black and Brown.” A little over a year later Governor Scott pointed out in his 2019 Budget Address that “we need more tax payers, not more taxes”.
Maybe the Governor was trying to tell us something when it was within this context that he reminded us to be mindful of “how we treat each other” in our communities; to “reject hate and anger” in our interactions; and to have the “courage to do what is right as opposed to what is easy”. Now it is the time for Burlington to do our part. History has taught us that racism doesn’t just go away and privilege always finds safety in silence.
Today, we need a concerted effort of community, elected and appointed officials and organizations to bring about the change to enable us to dismantle systemic in Burlington. We call on the Weinberger administration to bring the full bear of city’s resources in addressing these efforts:
· Establish the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee as a standing committee of the city council, charged with oversight of the implementation of the Equity Strategic Plan.
· Create an Office of Racial Equity and Civil Rights, charged with addressing matters surrounding systemic racism mitigation and civil rights.
· Create an Inclusion and Racial Equity Commission comprised of impacted community members appointed by the city council to ensure stakeholder ownership.
Governor Scott concluded his 2019 budget speech with these words: “The best comes when we are guided by our core beliefs.” It is our hope that our collective core beliefs enable us to make Burlington a place where African Americans are not just safe. Burlington, Vermont must be a place where African Americans, just as all people thrive and prosper and there is justice for all.
Chairwoman Copland-Hannzas, House Government Operations
Government Operations Committee is poised to vote on PR.2; Declaration of rights; clarifying the prohibition on slavery and indentured servitude today. Final testimony submitted is below:
Mark Hughes Executive Director, Justice For All Coordinator, Vermont Racial Justice Alliance PR.2 Testimony House Government Operations Committee Room 11, Vermont Statehouse May 9, 2019 9:30
Good morning
Madam Chair and House Government Operations Committee. I am Mark Hughes,
Director of Justice For All and Coordinator for the Racial Justice Reform
Alliance. We are the
proponents of the Proposal.
I am
offering additional testimony for your consideration as you move into your
committee discussion and possible vote today.
We are in support of the amendment as passed by the Senate. Please pass it unanimously.
2018 introduced new hope as Racial Justice Reform Coalition advanced Act 9 into law. In it, for the first time in history was legislation creating a panel and an Executive Director to “promote racial justice reform throughout the State by mitigating systemic racism in all systems of State government…”
Our research with Act 54, 2017 (Racial
disparities), Act 9, 2018 (Racial Equity) and the Fair and Impartial Policing
Policy led us to understand that state laws and institutions inherently create
and sustain racial disparities. The constitutional amendment is a continuation
of our work to dismantle this systemic
racism. We successfully convinced the Vermont Democratic Party to adopt a platform
statement to address slavery in the constitution and lobbied
the legislature for a resolution, resulting in H.R.25 (2018) (not taken up in House Government
Operations). Recently the League of Cities and Towns passed a resolution
and the Bishop and Episcopal Diocesan Council of Vermont issued a
letter of support for the Proposal.
As
indicated in the Proposal, as introduced in the Senate, PR.2 has always been about “addressing systemic racism in our
state laws and institutions.” Despite this fact, much attention
in testimony has been given to words “removing all reference to
slavery”. As indicated in our original request last year, that has never been the
Alliances primary goal. The Vermont Constitution in its current state is
unclear on slavery prohibition.
To be
clear, this discussion goes beyond slavery.
To constitutionalize slavery (or form of servitude) because a person is
“bound by the law for the payment of debts, damages, fines, costs, or the like”
is tantamount to criminalization of poverty which always has a greater impact
on black people. Clearly repercussions
on criminalization manifest in all aspects of life and impact our
posterity. Clarification of Article I of
the constitution enables us to take a major step in the right direction in addressing
systemic racism in Vermont. This amendment will serve to nullify any
statute supported by this clause and call into question any institution created
to sustain the premise of it into perpetuity.
Though
the Senate’s decision to remove “addressing systemic racism in our state
laws and institutions” in the “Purpose” section of the Proposal has
created some confusion surrounding our intent, the current proposed language satisfies our objective of providing
clarification on slavery prohibition.
Many have asked why this is important. This is about our racist national and State
history of criminalization and disproportionate incarceration of
black (and poor) people. It expands in concentric circles beyond
this, adversely impacting African American’s fair and equal access to housing,
education, health services, employment and economic development.
You have heard testimony that the US constitution makes the language of slavery in our constitution “academic” and it suggests that it has “no practical consequence”. But we have come to know that the 13th amendment constitutionalized slavery for the punishment of a crime, when duly convicted. Vermont State laws permit “Imprisonment In Lieu Of Payment of Fines And Costs”. Article I of the Vermont constitution provides an exception that permits slavery when “bound by law for the payment of debts, damages, fines, costs, or the like”. Collectively, this is the literal criminalization of poverty, the new slavery!
In closing, our work on addressing
systemic racism has been ongoing for nearly five years. Our analysis of the necessity to address the
constitution is rooted in data driven research.
Those challenges, which are systemic in Vermont, must be addressed at
the root – the constitution.
Yesterday morning we found out that the House Committee on Government Operations was planning on holding a Public Hearing TONIGHT on PR.2; a Proposal to amend the Constitution, to clarify that slavery and indentured servitude in any form are prohibited. We requested the Hearing be moved to enable us the ability to effectively notify our constituents. The House leadership’s responded with a narrative of time constraints, citing the approaching end of session. We informed the Committee that ” [as per]… § 72 of the Constitution and House Rule51a, the Senate and House have the entire biennium to complete their respective votes…”. As a result, the Public Hearing date has been changed to May 8th! You can find out more about the Public Hearing here. Please come to the Public Hearing.
If you need accommodations for the Public Hearing, please call 828.2228
If you want more details on the Proposal or the Public Hearing, please call the assistant at (802) 828-2267 or email: kobrien@leg.state.vt.us
Let’s do all we can to ensure a turnout at this historic Public Hearing for the constitutional amendment that clarifies that slavery and indentured servitude of any type are prohibited. Some would have us believe that this is largely symbolic. There could be nothing further form the truth. Slavery is at the root of the criminalization, punishment and oppression of black and poor people. Our constitution reflects our values and underpins our laws and institutions. Please show up and stand with us in solidarity.
Can you help us with the work that we are doing? Your small donation has an immediate impact on this vitally important work. Supported the work of Justice For All and The Vermont Racial Justice Alliance because of the proven results that we consistently deliver. We have experts behind the scene all year long doing the work that affects YOU! Provide a quick, secure contribution here.
Thursday, April 4th at 5:00 pm, there will be a public hearing ona proposal (PR.2) to amend the Constitution of the State of Vermont to completely prohibit slavery (as introduced), which will “serve as a foundation for addressing systemic racism in our States’s laws and institutions”. Testimony till now has been taken in the committee room during normal business hours. We believe that this has resulted in the current version of the proposal where that purpose is now “to clarify that slavery in any form is prohibited” and offers confusing and unnecessary language that could be interpreted to the contrary.
What are we asking of the committee that they are not doing?
Take testimony at a time when working Vermont can be heard
Ensure that the constitution clearly and unambiguously prohibits slavery
Replace language referring to “Qualifications of Freemen and Freewomen” in Vermont Constitution Chapter II
Comport the language to our current ideals and values, not our history; not our current laws and institutions
If you are interested in testifying on Thursday here is how you can reach the committee and inform them of your desire to do so (you can also offer written testimony):
Do you need a ride? Get on this list ASAP and we’ll help you make it to this event.Paragraph
The criminalization, punishment and oppression of black and poor people is at the root of slavery. Show up and be a part of history in our journey to dismantle the foundation of systemic racism in Vermont. It has taken us 242 years to get to here. Please make sure that you are in room 11 in the Statehouse on Thursday, April 4th, 2019 at 5:00 pm.
The Senate Government Operations Committee has delayed the vote on the constitutional amendment, prohibiting slavery. Testimony has been reopened for Thursday, February 28th at 3:15.
1) TESTIFY ON PR.2: Give the Senate Government Operations Committee the Rest of the Story
We”re excited that this will give us an opportunity to tell our stories. The Senate Government Operations Committee have concerned themselves with the task of preserving the historical significance of the fact that “Vermont was the first state to abolish slavery”. The fact is that Vermont never abolished slavery from the constitution of 1777 or 1786 and after becoming a state the constitution of 1793 never abolished slavery. In fact, after 242 years and 28 adopted amendments the Vermont constitution has yet to abolish slavery. Sadly, the language that the Government Operations Committee was poised to vote on would not have abolished slavery either. To be clear, no state in US history has held constitutional language permitting slavery longer than Vermont.
Why is this important? It is language like this in the constitution that serves as the edifice of the criminalization, punishment and oppression of black and poor people. This is not the time to attempt to “preserve” aspects of this document to capture the essence of the mindset of white men at a time when black people were property. This is not even a time to comport the new language to the statutes, rules and institutions that it now upholds. The purpose of this proposal (PR.2) is “…to serve as a foundation for addressing systemic racism in our State’s laws and institutions. You can help change this entire system by helping to shake it at its foundation. #EndslaveryVT
TAKE ACTION NOW
TESTIFY!
Show up in person on Thursday, February 28th at 3:15 (room 4)
You can coordinate a TELEPHONE TESTIMONY with Gail at or 828.2272
Leave a message with member of Senate Government Operations. Find member here or call 828.2272
2) Ask Senate Government Operations to Take up S.120: Give the Racial Equity Director a Chance to Succeed!
Remember S.281, the Systemic Racism Mitigation Commission? Well the Racial Equity Director was left reporting the Governor with an option to move the position under the Secretary of Administration. We all know how this story ends. If there is any hope for the Racial Equity Director to be effective, me must ensure that the position is on par with his or her contemporaries. Join us in our calls for Senate Government Operations to TAKE UP S.120.
Leave a message with member of Senate Government Operations. Find member here or call 828.2272
3) Ask Senate Judiciary to Take up S.119: Address Use of Force with Law Enforcement
Did you know that law enforcement does not collect use of force data as a part of the race traffic stop data collection processes? It gets worse, There is no model Appropriate Use of Force Policy or standardized training across all agencies either. A recent report from the Burlington Police Department indicated that use of force was being applied to black people at 4 to 5 times the rate as white folks. Stand with us as we call for Senate Judiciary to TAKE UP S.119. #fixUseofForceVT
Email the Committee and senior leadership. Email address: vermont-senate-judiciary@googlegroups.com
Leave a message with member of Senate Government Operations. Find member here or call 828.2278
4) Ask House Government Operations to Take up H.478: Appoint a Slavery Reparations Commission
Legislators have acknowledged disparities in the criminal justice system in Act 54 (2017) and the Attorney General’s and HRC’s Task Force Report. The need to address systemic racism in all state government is in the process of being addressed with the hiring of a Racial Equity position, as prescribed in Act 9 (2018). Serious consideration must be given to if and how Vermont chooses to address reparations. This commission will grapple with these questions. Help us as we call on House Government Operations to TAKE UP H.478. #ReparationsVT
Email the Committee and senior leadership. Email address: vermont-house-government-operations@googlegroups.com
Leave a message with member of House Government Operations. Find member here or call 828.2267
5) Ask the House Judiciary to take up H.465: Expand the Human Rights Commission and Prohibit Racial Profilingiciary
The Human Rights Commission has never in its existence been more busy and it has always been underfunded. What is more important than protecting the civil liberties of every protected category in this state? We have waited far too long. Let House Judiciary know that it’s time to TAKE UP H.465. #NoracialprofilingVT
Leave a message with member of House Judiciary. Find member here or call 828.2267
Document
Block
Status & Visibility
VisibilityPublicPublishFeb 27, 2019 7:34 amPost FormatAsideGalleryLinkImageQuoteStandardStatusVideoAudioChatStick to the Front PageAuthorerinarose802hughesmanthonygmailcomvermontinterfaithactionMove to trash
What Equity Looks Like 24 February, 2019 3:00 – 5:00 pm First Congregational Church 38 South Winooski Avenue
Here is an opportunity for us to celebrate the work we have accomplished and discuss the unprecedented year ahead. There will be an overview and discussion on racial equity; a presentation on current implementation of Act 54 (2017) and Act 9 (2018) and an opportunity to discuss the racial equity bills that are being introduced. The sponsoring legislators will be on hand for the discussion.
Come out and get involved Family friendly
#EndslaveryVTThe proposal to amend to the constitution; eliminating slavery (Proposal 2) was taken up in Senate Government Operations Committee last month and testimony has been ongoing. There is mounting discussion about the prospect of leaving the language of constitutionalized slavery in the Vermont constitution for “historical purposes”. Further, the limited number of folks asking to testify has caused the Proposal to get stuck in Committee. This is the first time in 242 years that we have had an opportunity to remove this language. Help us make it happen. Contact the Senate Government Operations Committee and tell them to “remove slavery from the constitution”. Let them know that you are willing to testify!
Here are three ways you can voice support or sign up to testify:
Email Senate Gov Ops at this address: vermont-senate-government-operations@googlegroups.com
Leave a message at 828.2228
Call the Committee Assistant at 828.2272
NO Taxation and Regulation Without Reparations Campaign
The legislature has the regulation of cannabis on the fast track. The financial upside seems to have given everyone “war on drugs” amnesia. Regulating Cannabis without taking these factors into consideration is scandalous and immoral. Stand with us as we proclaim No taxation and Regulation Without Reparations!
Automatic, no cost expungement of cannabis related criminal records
Immediate release of those incarcerated for cannabis related crimes;
Exclusion of cannabis related crimes as impediments to opportunities for employment and access to public services;
Training and start-up assistance in the hemp and cannabis industry;
Join us as we address this vitally important issue. Here is how you can help:
Justice For All pursues racial justice within Vermont’s criminal justice system through advocacy, education, and relationship-building. Would you like to Become a member?
I am deeply disappointed with the manner in which the Attorney General has addressed Kiah Morris’ request for an investigation. V.S.A. 13, 1023 is simple assault. This and potentially aggravated stalking clearly are crimes committed in this case. 13 V.S.A, 1458 provides injunctive reliefs despite any charges being brought against the “alleged” perpetrator. Instead of prosecuting this case, the Attorney General defended and judged it! The resulting new “Bias Incident Reporting Protocol” is deeply problematic. There was no community stakeholders’ coordination in this process. This is indicated by there being no civilian reporting process. I guess they never thought about the potential of a “bias incident” being committed by law enforcement. The protocol internalizes all processes to law enforcement. The person filing the claim has no visibility or involvement in critical referral (HRC, OCR, ACLU, etc…) decisions. Finally, who collects the data?
It’s so sad that Kiah, James
and Jamal would be traumatized yet again and let down by the system on the same
day. Sadder is that it was all too
predictable. There never seems to be a
problem figuring out how to protect white folks (alleged perpetrator or victim)
and their property throughout all history.
There has never seemed to be a problem finding a law that could be
applied to prosecuting black folks. In
cases where there hasn’t been a law to prosecute black people, we have been a
nation that simply created them. All
this as white people nervously exclaim “all lives matter” when we try to remind
them that black lives matter.
I know that many are wondering where we go from here. First, T.J., apply and prosecute the law in this case and change law if necessary to address future occurrences (13V.S.A. 1454 & 1458 and 9 V.S.A 4501-4507). Secondly, Pro Tempe Ashe, Speaker Johnson, Chairwoman White and Chairwoman Copeland-Hanzas, get a handle on civilian oversight of law enforcement by starting with public hearings on civilian oversight of law enforcement in this state (FIPP included)! Third, Chairman Sears and Chairwoman Grad, join them and conduct public hearings on the implementation progress on the only laws designed to address systemic racism, Act 54 (2017), Racial Disparities in the Criminal and Juvenile Justice System Advisory Panel and Act 9 (2018), Racial Equity in State Government. Finally, Speaker Johnson and Pro Tempe Ashe, embrace fairness, equity and diversity in Outcome Indicators in the legislature and lead by prioritizing and championing legislation to meet these objectives. The work required here is the same as the work required addressing all racism in this nation and the good news is that Vermont has already started.
There was a Vermont
Democratic Party gathering at the Hilton Hotel in Burlington on November 9th,
2016. Word came in on the results of the
presidential election and T.J., you looked me in the eyes and said “Don’t worry
Mark. I’ll protect you”. Well, Mr. Attorney General, here we are and I
need you to be true to your word. Protect
me.
