Joint statement in support of diversity, equity, inclusiveness

Vermont Business Magazine A number of Vermont education leaders have released the following statement, which has also been signed by Governor Peter Shumlin and Governor-elect Phil Scott. A full list of signers is copied below.It states that Vermont will continue to support all Vermonters and welcome people of all backgrounds.

“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.”

Lisa Ventriss, president of the Vermont Business Roundtable, said: “The Board of Directors believe that it is important to clearly articulate, on behalf of the full membership, a commitment to those principles that shape a representative democracy and that embrace all communities as equally deserving of those rights and freedoms.”

SIGNED:

Governor Peter Shumlin                                  

Governor-elect Phil Scott

Lisa M. Ventriss, President

Vermont Business Roundtable

T. 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

School for International Training 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                   

Pat Moulton, Interim President

Vermont Technical College

Scott Giles, President & CEO

Vermont Student Assistance Corporation

Source: Governor's office 11.18.2016