Yesterday Governor Scott released a the following Declaration:
"I, Philip B. Scott, Governor of the State of Vermont, do proclaim Proposal 2 is herewith noticed to the voters of Vermont and forthwith shall be published in accordance with the provisions of Title 17 Vermont Statutes Annotated, Chapter 32, Section 1844 and shall be voted upon on the same date as the general election on November 8, 2022."
Why? It was his constitutional and statutory duty. Section 72 of Chapter II of the Vermont Constitution and Chapter 32 of Title 17 of the Vermont Statutes Annotated require the Governor to give public notice of the proposed amendment by proclamation prior to the submission of the proposed amendment to a vote by the people for ratification and adoption.
Allies and leaders from Vermont Racial Justice Alliance and Vermont Interfaith Action will hold a press conference on Friday Morning at 10:30 to launch the Abolish Slavery Vermont Campaign, calling on Vermonters to vote "Yes" on Proposal 2, the constitutional amendment stating that slavery and indentured servitude in any form are prohibited. While Vermonters and the nation have been taught for generations that the state was the first to abolish slavery we now know that no state constitutionally permitted slavery before Vermont. Vermont's constitution permits slavery of folks under age 21 and individuals bound by their own consent. The Vermont constitution has also always permitted the enslavement of those bound for payment of debts, damages, fines, costs or "the like." Exception clauses of 25 other state constitutions and Thirteenth Amendment have been informed by these exception clauses in the Vermont Constitution, leading to the introduction of convict leasing in the US.
The Abolish Slavery Vermont Campaign focuses on human rights and connects the institution of slavery to its legacy - systemic racism. Political and economic inequality along racial lines and across all society exists today because of the legacy of slavery. This amendment goes to the heart of a 245 year old crime against humanity. It also addresses the existence of and the ongoing impact of the thirteenth amendment exception clause. The thirteenth amendment exception clause has led to prison (industry) proliferation, skyrocketing incarceration and hugely disproportionate numbers of Black Americans being locked up.
Following the press conference, the campaign is sponsoring a community cookout with barbecue and Ben & Jerry's ice cream, lawn signs, stickers, and T-shirts, remarks by campaign leaders, music, and games. Other events will be sponsored throughout the weekend. See www.abolishslaveryvt.org for details.
Jul 7, 2024, 7 to 8:30 PM
Learn to Paddle Like a Boss with Malia!Jul 9, 2024, 5:15 to 7:30 PM
The Moth StorySLAM at Burlington Beer CompanyJul 9, 2024, 7 to 9 PM