News & Commentary

In the wake of a school shooting, the gut reaction to better protect our children is natural. However, Vermonters should think carefully before increasing law enforcement presence in our schools. There is little indication that school resource officers effectively reduce school violence, while there is strong evidence that they lead to more kids getting entangled in the criminal justice system, particularly youth of color, youth with disabilities & LGBTQ youth.We urge you to contact your legislators to share your thoughts on this important issue. You can always call the Sergeant-at-Arms office at (802) 828-2228 between 7:45 am and 4:15 pm and ask them to convey a message to your representatives.

As Vermont’s legislative session passes the halfway mark, the ACLU is tracking more than 100 bills with the potential to impact Vermonters’ constitutional rights.  Below are details on some of the priority bills that we’ll be asking our members to voice their support for in the weeks ahead. But you don't have to wait for us. Contact your legislators today to let them know where you stand!

This letter was originally published in the Burlington Free Press on March 16th, 2018.

A student movement has arisen in response to the tragic school shooting in Parkland last month and other recent mass shootings that have resulted in numerous casualties among young people. Here, young Vermonters are raising their voices.

Yesterday the Vermont House Committee on Transportation considered H. 237, a bill to implement roadside saliva testing for THC and lowering the permissible BAC limit from .08 to .05 for any person with “any detectable amount” of THC in his or her blood.

This letter was originally published in the Bennington Banner January 26, 2018.

Vermont’s legislature is back in session, and when it comes to civil rights there’s a lot at stake this year. Working with legislators, allied organizations, and ACLU members and supporters, the ACLU of Vermont is pursuing an ambitious agenda to protect and advance the rights and liberties of all Vermonters.

Joseph Montagno needed help, and until last year had no idea that the City of Burlington would punish him for asking for it. In 2015 and 2016 his Burlington apartment was vandalized and burglarized, and he received threats from a neighbor. Mr. Montagno and many other tenants in his building made multiple calls for police assistance that year, unaware that merely calling for help could put their housing at risk.

Vermont Attorney General T.J. Donovan agrees the program violates Vermont law and must be suspended indefinitely