Racial Justice

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The authors of the Declaration of Independence outlined a bold vision for America: a nation in which all people would be free and equal. More than two hundred years later, it has yet to be achieved. Though generations of civil rights activism have led to important gains in legal, political, social, employment, educational, and other spheres, the forced removal of indigenous peoples and the enslavement of those of African descent marked the beginnings of a system of racial injustice from which our country has yet to break free. From our public schools where students of color are too often confined to racially isolated, underfunded, and inferior programs, to our criminal justice system that disproportionately targets and incarcerates people of color and criminalizes poverty, to the starkly segregated world of housing, the dream of full equality remains an elusive one.

In pursuit of a world free of discrimination, the ACLU brings impact lawsuits in state and federal courts throughout the country, taking on cases designed to have a significant and wide-reaching effect on communities of color. In coalition with ACLU affiliates in each state, other civil rights groups, and local advocates, we lobby in local and state legislatures and support grassroots movements. Through these efforts, we strive to educate and empower the public on a variety of issues, including race as it relates to criminal justice, economic justice, and inequality in education; affirmative action; and American Indian rights.

The Latest

Press Release
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ACLU Vermont Statement on Signing of S.58 into Law

This legislation will further criminalize drug-related offenses and charge more juveniles as adults.
Press Release
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ACLU Vermont Report Card Gives Governor Scott a Failing Grade

New ad campaign will raise public awareness about the governor’s record on civil liberties from 2023-2024.
Press Release
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ACLU Client and Twin Valley School District Reach Settlement Agreement

Resolution for victim of racial bullying and harassment is a victory for Vermont students and school equity advocates.
Press Release
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Burlington Sued for Discrimination, Use of Excessive Force on 14-Year-Old Child

Police escalated routine encounter with threats and violence, leading to forced drugging and hospitalization.
Court Case
Jan 30, 2024

Cathy Austrian o/b/o J.A. v. City of Burlington

Court Case
Mar 20, 2024

C.B. v. Twin Valley Middle High School

School administrators took no meaningful action to address ongoing racist bullying.
Court Case
Jul 24, 2023

Fowler & Keating v. Bennington Select Board

Cassandra Keating and Joel Fowler filed a complaint on April 7, 2021 with the Vermont Human Rights Commission (HRC) against the Bennington Select Board for unlawfully retaliating against the couple. The ACLU filed suit on their behalf in July 2023.