Human Rights Commission, Vermont

06/16/2026

Happy Pride, Vermont! Here is a quick reminder of some of the rights we've fought hard for in this state, and where we still need to go. Please share widely!

06/15/2026

Southern VT folks!

The Town of Putney Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee is hosting a community conversation about Vermont's Fair and Impartial Policing Policy, its effects on our community, and what it means for local law enforcement and immigration.

Weds, June 17th, 2026

5-6 PM FREE Dinner - Menu in RSVP
6-8 PM Forum

At Putney Central School

Please RSVP at bit.ly/FairForum

Guest speakers will include Windham County Sheriff Mark Anderson, Vermont State Police Lt. Todd Wilkins, Dr. Cliff Wood, Chair of W.C. Sheriff’s Advisory Committee, State Senator Nader Hashim, Moderated by Kerry Amidon - Filmed by BCTV

06/15/2026

06/12/2026

"Proposition 4 serves more stakeholders than those it explicitly names. A constitutional system that applies rights consistently benefits everyone. Whether the issue is access to employment, housing, healthcare, education or public accommodations, constitutional clarity provides a stronger foundation for consistent treatment. For Vermonters, that means greater confidence that the rights and protections promised in principle can be relied upon in practice, regardless of who they are or where they live. It creates clearer standards for courts, lawmakers, employers, schools and public institutions. It reduces uncertainty when disputes arise. It strengthens public confidence that equal treatment is not merely an aspiration but a principle that can be relied upon in practice."

Equality is not achieved simply because it is declared universally. It becomes meaningful when people experience that equality consistently in practice.

06/12/2026

Today, June 12th, is the 🥳one-year anniversary🥳 of the signing of Senate Bill 127, which expanded anti-discrimination protections in housing and public accommodations!

Now that the protections have been in effect for a year, here is a refresher for Vermont landlords and property managers about what to do if a prospective tenant doesn't present a social security number.

Please reach out to the HRC if you would like additional training.

06/10/2026

Okay, social media trends, we'll bite. Vermonters, watch out for these three forms of unlawful discrimination!

If you observe them, you can ask the HRC to investigate at https://hrc.vermont.gov/complaint.

06/05/2026

HRC is excited to participate in Winooski's Juneteenth celebration in a couple weeks!

05/20/2026

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=teW5NN_YbOo&feature=youtu.be

¡Ojo! ¡Ganamos derechos!

La Comisión de Derechos Humanos está encantada de colaborar con Migrant Justice / Justicia Migrante para compartir información sobre los derechos de los inmigrantes a una vivienda justa en Vermont.

¡Mira este video para escuchar a Abel de Justicia Migrante explicando más sobre los derechos bajo esta nueva ley y cómo alzar la voz si esos derechos son vulnerados! Como dice Abel, juntos construimos la justicia.

The HRC is excited to partner with Migrant Justice / Justicia Migrante to share information about immigrants' rights to fair housing in Vermont.

Are you a landlord or a property manager? If you have questions about your responsibilities under the law, attend one of the HRC's free Fair Housing trainings! Dates are listed on our website at hrc.vermont.gov under "Education and Outreach."

En este video les contamos de le Ley de Acceso a la Vivienda, la cu...

05/14/2026

"Big Hartman, executive director of the Vermont Human Rights Commission, said the Vermont Supreme Court would be the venue where the proposed language would be 'tested out and interpreted.'

While Vermont already has a host of anti-discrimination laws on the books, Hartman said the amendment would prevent 'the rolling back … of any protections' if the political climate in Montpelier changes."

House lawmakers gave final approval Wednesday to a proposed constitutional amendment that would guarantee “equal treatment under the law” for nine protected classes, including race, s*x, disability, gender identity and s*xual orientation.