President Matthew Derr, VT government and academic leaders sign joint statement on diversity, equity, and inclusion
A number of Vermont education and business leaders, joined by Governor Peter Shumlin and Governor-elect Phil Scott, released the following statement.
Joint Statement in Support of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusiveness
Vermont has fought for centuries for freedom and unity, equity and openness. Vermont remains a beacon of hope and opportunity, community and shared humanity. Vermont was the first to commit to the abolition of slavery in our state constitution and a leader in the fight for marriage equality. We will continue to support all Vermonters and welcome people of all backgrounds to the Green Mountain state.
We, the undersigned, condemn any acts of unlawful discrimination, violence, and intimidation that target differences in national origin, race, sex, gender, religion, disability, or political viewpoint across our nation. Such acts run counter to the rights and freedoms upon which our country was founded and to the core values of the state of Vermont.
Vermont is committed to fostering welcoming communities and an equitable, diverse, and inclusive society.
Governor Peter Shumlin Governor-elect Phil Scott
Lisa M. Ventriss, President Vermont Business Roundtable
Gregory Dewey, President Albany College of Pharmacy
Mariko Silver, President Bennington College
David Wolk, President Castleton University
Michelle Ollie, President Center for Cartoon Studies
Don Laackman, President Champlain College
Lawrence Jensen, Interim President College of Saint Joseph
Joyce Judy, President Community College of Vermont
Robert Kenny, President Goddard College
Robert Allen, President Green Mountain College
Elaine Collins, President Johnson State College
Peter Eden, President Landmark College
Nolan Atkins, Interim President Lyndon State College
Kevin Quigley, President Marlboro College
Laurie Patton, President Middlebury College
Richard Schneider, President Norwich University
Donald Steinberg, President SIT Graduate Institute
David Rees Evans, President Southern Vermont College
Matthew Derr, President Sterling College
John Neuhauser, President Saint Michael’s College
Tom Sullivan, President University of Vermont
Roger H. Sublett, President Union Institute and University
Marc B. Mihaly, President and Dean Vermont Law School
Thomas Greene, President Vermont College of Fine Arts
Jeb Spaulding, Chancellor Vermont State Colleges
Patricia Moulton, Interim President Vermont Technical College
Scott Giles, President & CEO Vermont Student Assistance Corporation