News & Commentary

How the ACLU plans to fight back against the Trump administration when it seeks to violate the rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitution.

A mere three days after the election, reports of harassment and violence directed at people of color, immigrants, LGBT people, Muslims, and others have been pouring in. Although there are no easy answers, one thing is clear: We can’t sit back and watch this become the new normal.

The ACLU of Vermont has long been committed to supporting and defending the rights of indigenous people and communities. We recognize the vital roles peaceful protest, nonviolent civil disobedience, and activism play in defending our civil and human rights. ACLU-VT stands with the Standing Rock Sioux tribe and its allied indigenous nations and supporters across the globe as they speak out against the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline. 

Last week, the ACLU of Vermont filed an amicus brief with the Vermont Supreme Court in the case of William Schenk, who was charged with disorderly conduct for allegedly leaving KKK recruitment leaflets at the homes of two Burlington women of color. Given the ACLU's longstanding, firm commitment to advancing racial justice and equality, it is understandable that some people might wonder how we can reconcile those values with our involvement in this case.

While some circumstances may allow for withholding police body or cruiser cam footage, those circumstances were not present in the aftermath of the Jesse Beshaw shooting. Vermont officials’ decision to withhold the videos violated the Public Records Act and unnecessarily undermined the public’s trust.

The ACLU of VT has received a significant number of complaints about law enforcement actions at the Rainbow Family of Living Light gathering in Mount Tabor. We're keeping a watchful eye on developments as the gathering continues. We hope gathering attendees will be allowed to exercise their rights to free expression and assembly without unnecessary disruption or an unreasonable police response.

James Duff Lyall of Tucson, Ariz., has been named as the ACLU-VT's new executive director, replacing Allen Gilbert who is ending his 12-year tenure this summer. James Duff Lyall

We s

The Vermont Attorney General and Chittenden County State's Attorney are not bringing charges against the Burlington Police Department officer who shot and killed Ralph "Phil" Grennon two months ago. Mr. Grennon, a long-time Burlingtonian with a well-known history of mental illness, was shot after refusing to interact with police or come out of his apartment after making verbal threats against neighbors. Instead, he holed up in his bathtub for five hours while the police repeatedly tried to communicate with him and made several incursions into his apartment. Speaking to the media on Tuesday, the Chittenden County State's Attorney called the shooting "justified," and the Attorney General's office agreed.