Issue Position: Equal Rights and Dignity for All

Emilie's vision: Each Vermonter, from the most vulnerable to the most privileged, regardless of birth or circumstance, has a real opportunity to live their life without fear of threats, intimidation, or violence, and with equal protection under the law.

Vermont is no stranger to the racism, sexism, xenophobia, and bigotry that characterize much of the history of our country. And Vermont's history has some high and low points: from abolishing slavery to promoting eugenics; from pioneering civil unions to our current deeply biased incarceration rates. At this turning point in our history, we must build a community that strives to include--demographically, socially, and economically.

Since 2017, Emilie has been working with a statewide coalition to advance a Vermont Equal Rights Amendment. A resolution in support of the Amendment was passed unanimously by the Senate in February, 2018. The new Vermont Equal Rights Amendment recognizes the need for equal rights for all under the law: "Equal protection under the law shall not be denied or abridged because of race, sex, age, religion, creed, color, familial status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin." This is the next step in some wonderful work already being done in partnership with our legislature and activist communities: anti-bias police work, racial justice oversight, culturally diverse curriculums, oversight for preschool suspensions and expulsions, and the continued widening of conversations about what it means to be a Vermonter. As a legislator, Emilie will prioritize these important conversations about how to invest in our communities and who has a right and opportunity to do so.

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