The former Vermont governor and civil rights champion has passed away at the age of 93

MONTPELIER, Vt. —The ACLU of Vermont mourns the passing of former Vermont governor and civil liberties champion Philip H. Hoff. Gov. Hoff served in the Vermont House from 1960-62. In 1962, he was elected governor, and was re-elected for two subsequent terms. He later served in the Vermont Senate from 1982-88.

Gov. Hoff’s many accomplishments for civil liberties during his service as governor included the creation of the Governor’s Commission on the Status of Women; the promotion of civil rights in the South through the Vermont in Mississippi project; and legislation prohibiting discrimination in housing, which led to the formation of the Vermont Commission on Human Rights.

Gov. Hoff was a founding member of the ACLU of Vermont and from 1959-62 acted as state correspondent to the National ACLU. He served on ACLU of Vermont Board of Directors from 1969-73.

In 1987, Gov. Hoff received the Civil Liberties Award from the ACLU of Vermont in recognition of his commitment to racial justice and equality for all Vermonters.

In 2015, the ACLU of Vermont presented Governor Hoff with its Lifetime Achievement Award “in recognition of a lifelong dedication to making the world a more just and humane place through an unswerving belief in individual rights and equal treatment under the law... Long past the time most governors retire, sit back, and ruminate about the better times during their administration, Phil Hoff continued to challenge new generations to live up to ideals others may think unobtainable or simply inconvenient. It is inconceivable to think of this state’s commitment to social justice and respect for all its residents without thinking of Phil Hoff. His life has inspired countless others to believe government can be a force for good and every individual a valuable member of society. Vermont, and indeed the entire nation, are the richer for Philip H. Hoff’s commitment to the individual liberties of all people.”

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