Montpelier, VT— An open letter to Governor Scott and state lawmakers has now been signed by 175 organizations, representing tens of thousands of Vermonters and comprising a diverse group of Vermont businesses, nonprofits, and faith communities statewide. The letter, accompanied by a paid advertising campaign, calls on state leaders to oppose federal abuses of power and safeguard the rights and liberties of all Vermont residents.
These efforts come in response to unprecedented federal government attacks on constitutional rights, state government autonomy, and the nation’s civic infrastructure, as well as a historic outpouring of protest and resistance, both locally and nationwide. Signatories include faith communities; non-profit organizations working in public health, the environment, civil rights, agriculture, and economic development; unions; libraries; and local businesses.
Jen Kimmich, CEO and co-founder of The Alchemist Brewery: “Vermonters want government to meet their basic needs—not to undermine their most cherished freedoms and liberties. The extreme abuse of power by the current federal government poses a clear and present danger to Vermont laws and values. With more attacks certain to come, we continue to call on state leaders to be proactive and unwavering in supporting every member of our community.”
The 175 organizations, citing Vermont traditions of “Freedom and Unity” and proud history as a leader in defending democratic values, urge the governor and state legislators to use the power of their office to protect Vermont’s immigrant communities; secure the rights of trans people; strengthen abortion access; defend constitutional rights to protest; safeguard privacy; preserve environmental protections; and ensure Vermont’s independence from federal overreach.
This statewide campaign comes in the wake of a second day of No Kings Rallies, in which more than 7 million people protested federal government corruption and abuse of power in more than 2,700 communities nationwide.
James Lyall, Executive Director, ACLU of Vermont: “This is a dangerous and terrifying time for so many of our community members, and we hope that our elected representatives feel empowered by this show of solidarity from a diverse array of civil society organizations. In the face of such brazen lawlessness and abuse of power, state leaders need to be united, unequivocal, and unrelenting in defending the rights and dignity of everyone who calls Vermont home.”
Other civil society leaders are also speaking out. At the national level, in the face of administration threats against nonprofits and activists, more than 3,000 NGOs have signed on to a letter of solidarity. National charitable giving organizations, which have also been targeted, organized a solidary letter signed by more than 700 groups. In February, the Vermont Bar Association (VBA) membership endorsed a statement by the VBA Board of Managers, stating in part: “The VBA condemns acts that undermine our democratic checks and balances and denounces attacks upon the judiciary. We express our unwavering support for an independent judiciary. Respect for the rule of law is essential to the functioning of our democratic society, justice, and the protection of individual rights and liberties.
Rev. Joan Javier-Duval, Unitarian Church of Montpelier: “We are living through dangerous and difficult times, with a federal government determined to instill fear and division while our communities are struggling to meet their basic needs. But we must remember that ‘We the People’ are stronger together, that we have each other’s backs, and that we can rebuild our democracy into one that works for everyone.”
There are indications that Vermont’s elected leaders are listening. State officials have mostly refused to comply with federal government threats targeting LGBTQ youth and voting. Governor Scott has criticized Trump’s use of the National Guard. The Vermont Attorney General’s office has joined dozens of multistate lawsuits, in addition to hundreds more filed by the ACLU and other groups. Last year, Vermont legislators took action to shore up Vermont’s defenses, and this session will be considering additional safeguards to protect immigrants’ rights, privacy, and the rights of LGBTQ Vermonters, among others.
The letter of solidarity is available here, with an updated list of signatory organizations.
Stay Informed
Sign up to be the first to hear about how to take action.
By completing this form, I agree to receive occasional emails per the terms of the ACLU’s privacy statement.
By completing this form, I agree to receive occasional emails per the terms of the ACLU’s privacy statement.