News & Commentary

Have you ever watched an episode of “Law & Order”? The creators do an amazing job of dramatizing the court process. The characters playing the prosecutors are always eloquent and passionate as they go toe-to-toe with an indignant defense attorney who is quick to counter every point. We see this version of the trial process all the time in mainstream media. The real life, everyday version is much different. My real-life experience was much different.

Millions of people have joined the outcry against the Trump administration’s practice of separating the children of immigrants and asylum seekers at the border, which the American Association of Pediatrics has called “government-sanctioned child abuse.”

This commentary was originally published on VTDigger on June 7, 2018.

The ACLU, in coalition with Migrant Justice, Justice for All, and other civil rights groups, has been advocating for years to keep local police out of the deportation business and prevent racial bias from influencing law enforcement. 

This commentary was originally published on VTDigger on April 11, 2018.

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.