Montpelier, Vt. – A number of Vermont education leaders 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.
“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
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