This commentary is by Alis Headlam of Rutland.
In 2021 a group of four Vermont citizens became involved in promoting a declaration stating that all are welcome. According to its website, this is known as a declaration of inclusion.
Towns and cities across the state of Vermont have adopted this statement: “The Town of ______________ condemns racism and welcomes all persons, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, disability, or socioeconomic status, and wants everyone to feel safe and welcome in our community.” The website’s updated report says that as of Jan. 13, 2025, nearly 80% of the population of Vermont, 160 out of 247 towns and cities, now have a record of accepting this statement or some version they have adopted.
The team has gone town by town, meeting with leadership and citizens to discuss why this statement is important and how it will benefit their community. It has been a continuous effort done out of a sense of justice for all.
Vermont has claimed its homogeneity since its incorporation in 1791. It is one of only two or three states where it is known that a diverse population has not evolved. In order to promote a future for Vermont, its citizens understand that it must welcome those with varying lives, personal appearances and experiences. This will lead to greater opportunities for all, economically as well as socially.
It is clear that the value of eliminating prejudice is important to most people in the state. A lot has been going on to promote diversity in the state. So, it is something to celebrate as towns and cities begin to put their adoption into action by making sure policies and practices at the government level are consistent with the statement; something to celebrate as more citizens take time to attend workshops or lectures that will give them guidance on how to eliminate hate, distrust or misunderstandings; something to celebrate as the enforcement and legal systems are held accountable for bias; something to celebrate as schools and colleges look for ways to make sure that students are given equitable opportunities to learn.
While Vermont is a small state, this team effort is a significant action that can have a real impact across the country. Prejudice has led to a legacy of inequity in judicial, business, education and social systems all over the world. The exertion by dedicated individuals in Vermont has encouraged others to take a stand and investigate how to undermine the structures of our legal, legislative, business, education and social systems that perpetuate damage that ravages not only the lives of individuals, but also of communities.
Around the globe it is easy to see a legacy of prejudice and bias. Generations have been devastated by the harm that occurs when someone is deprived of an opportunity to thrive. If one life is lost anywhere in the world because they cannot participate, everyone loses. No one really knows the potential contributions that have been lost due to famine, war, violence or lack of opportunity. Prejudice, like an ugly monster, raises its head in every part of the world and destroys everything in its path.
So it is with great dismay that the current U.S. administration, in its first week in office, declared its intention to discontinue work to eliminate recognition of discrimination and bias. In one of the first executive orders signed on Tuesday, January 21, the day after inauguration of the leadership, all federal employees who work in DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) were assigned paid leave with the understanding that this would become permanent in the near future.
Anne D’Innocenzio of the Associated Press Jan. 24, 2025 reported: “The order calls for revoking all DEI mandates, policies, preferences and activities, along with the review and revision of existing employment practices, union contracts and training, policies and programs.” Any recognition or mention of DEI initiatives in agencies that receive funding from the federal government are now facing an imposed ban, dismantling efforts that have been developing for years.
In another executive order the administration has imposed deportation on migrants who are considered illegal. In the New York Times, Jan, 31, Annie Correal confirmed that migrants were being deported by military aircraft while they were being treated as common criminals.
Some of these individuals migrated to the United States for a better life, often with access to legal status in process, to countries where they may not be welcome, where they may not be able to thrive. Like so many things that occur in a turbulent time, this has all the earmarks of promoting a disaster that will have consequences across the globe.
It is essential that we do not lose faith in the power of unity. Together it is possible to build strong communities that can overcome injustice. While adhering to government policies is necessary, citizens will have to find alternative ways to continue DEI initiatives as this is very important work. Efforts to bring about peace and justice must continue.
Developing tight alliances through collaboration with organizations and individuals is essential. Vibrant communities that welcome everyone are vital to this effort. There is no greater vision than bringing peace to the world. What could be more important than promoting the unity of humankind by being welcoming to everyone?
Read the story on VTDigger here: Alis Headlam: Declaration of inclusion.