Law

Ben Joseph interviews Larry Crist, Executive Director of Vermont Parent Representation Center.

For more info: vtprc.org/about-us

From the Vermont Racial Justice Alliance:

Throughout this journey of PR. 2 (the constitutional amendment abolishing slavery) we have been confronted with confusion, denial, ridicule, rejection, exploitation, attacks, and lies. We never considered that the system that we were addressing would be our biggest impediment and a source of disinformation, misinformation and contention. We have fought this fight through both chambers of the General Assembly twice and yesterday the people spoke on the matter.

They voted YES.

Our intent has ALWAYS been clear - that this constitutional amendment shake Vermont into the awareness of the legacy of the institution of slavery - systemic racism AND that they would do the work of addressing it.

We'll discuss this and the rest of the states with slavery abolishment on the ballot with our guest Max Parthas from the Abolish Slavery National Network.   

From the Vermont Racial Justice Alliance:

Amending the Vermont Constitution is an incredibly long and arduous process. The road to prohibit slavery through this process has been exponentially longer. First, why is Vermont prohibiting slavery if it was already abolished? Second, what was the process that led us here? Finally, what will the impact of prohibiting slavery be in Vermont in moving forward?

Homework: Read Article 1 of the Vermont Constitution (30 seconds)

The Vermont Racial Justice Alliance remains committed to prohibiting slavery and indentured servitude in all forms in Vermont. The existing slavery exception clauses in Vermont constitution are NOT symbolic but carry the same weight as any other language in our constitution and therefore MUST be amended with prohibition language. We're grateful that the constitutional amendment process in Vermont (one of the most comprehensive in the nation) has afforded this State the due diligence required for such an important matter. Never having been a State (or nation) where slavery hasn't existed leaves us uncertain of the impact that this constitutional amendment will have over time, but we know that it is morally right to constitutioinally prohibit slavery. We do know that this reprehensible crime against humanity has left us with the insidious monster of systemic racism and we remain committed to eradicating it on all fronts. This constitutional amendment is a part of that process and will serve as a memorial in perpetuity.

From Women's March:

Burlington Women's March on October 8, 2022 at 2 p.m. at City Hall on Church St. Join the fight for our future and freedom.

We rally in support of
(1) the Reproductive Liberty Amendment (Article 22);
(2) the passage of a shield law in Vermont to protect telemedicine workers providing reproductive services to people in states where abortion is restricted/banned; and
(3) Reproductive Justice for everyone.

Join us, vote for the RLA, agitate for a shield law, and organize to make reproductive justice a reality. It is time for solidarity. It is time to unite. It is time to rise up and protect our rights!