Human Rights Commission, Vermont

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.

05/13/2026

HRC was proud to speak to the press yesterday about the importance of putting Proposition 4 on the ballot this fall.

Prop 4 is a proposed Equal Rights Amendment to the Vermont constitution. As the HRC fields more and more complaints about discrimination in our state, Prop 4 will be a crucial step to making the protections we do have more forceful and more permanent. It would prohibit the State of Vermont from denying equal treatment because of a person’s race, ethnicity, s*x, religion, disability, s*xual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or national origin.

Specifically protecting the equality of rights in our Constitution, and not just our statutes, is an important foundation for protecting the rights of groups of people who are historically and currently marginalized.

Prop 4 would embed our civil rights protections in constitutional law and guard against unequal treatment by the State in its legislation or programs.

Look out for more information about Prop 4 from the HRC over the next few months!

05/07/2026

Join the Office of Racial Equity for this film screening and event!

04/29/2026

SAVE THE DATE!

Here’s what people said about last year’s Civil Rights Summit, where frontline human rights defenders gathered with Vermonters to strategize and demand civil rights safeguards at the state level.

“This was an incredibly rich event!”

“What an amazing gift to the community.”

“It was so special to be a part of this.”

“I felt this event was especially valuable. It gave me both knowledge and connections that will stick with me.”

“It was a great event. I’m so glad we got to participate!”

Safeguarding our civil rights is more important than ever, and Vermonters are more organized and activated than we have been in decades. It’s time to come together and share strategies, updates, and ideas for 2027 and beyond. Mark your calendars for September 25-27 in Randolph, and watch this space for announcements about panel and registration opportunities.

04/29/2026

Check out our April newsletter for new fair housing resources, Continuing Legal Education, and more!

https://mailchi.mp/vermont.gov/hrcmonthlyfeb2026-13469322

04/27/2026

HRC is excited to partner with Migrant Justice / Justicia Migrante to share information about immigrants' rights to fair housing in Vermont. Thanks to Vermont Language Justice Project for help with the English audio. Please share widely and look out for upcoming resources in Spanish!

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."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvVsBP8bX1Q

The Housing Access Law Protects You (English)

04/27/2026

HRC is excited to partner with Migrant Justice / Justicia Migrante to share information about immigrants' rights to fair housing in Vermont. Thanks to Vermont Language Justice Project for help with Haitian Kreyol. Please share widely and look out for additional languages coming soon.

The Housing Access Law Protects You (Kreyol)

04/27/2026

The HRC is excited to partner with Migrant Justice / Justicia Migrante to share information about immigrants' rights to fair housing in Vermont. Thanks to Vermont Language Justice Project for help with Jamaican Patois. Please share widely and look out for additional languages coming soon.

The Housing Access Law Protects You (Patois)

04/21/2026

This Fair Housing Month is a good time for landlords and property managers to review what the law says about their rights and obligations regarding assistance animals. The Human Rights Commission has a page dedicated to this important topic.

https://hrc.vermont.gov/assistance-animals-and-fair-housing

If landlords and property managers have questions, our next free Fair Housing training is June 1st. Check out hrc.vermont.gov for the link.

Assistance Animals and Fair Housing  Many people with disabilities benefit from the assistance and support of animals in their home. If a landlord, lease, or condominium association does not permit animals, a person with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation that allows them to have o...