ACTION ALERT: Stop the Secret Rewrite of Vermont’s Bullying and Harassment Policy
Demand a Pause. Demand Transparency. Demand a Community-Led Process.
The Agency of Education (AOE) has been rewriting Vermont’s Harassment, Hazing, and Bullying (HHB) policy for 18 months behind closed doors — and now they’re rushing to roll it out by June 8 without giving students, families, or educators a real voice.
They’ve asked the public to fill out a feedback survey. We are asking, instead, that you email key decision-makers directly and demand a reset.
What’s Wrong With the Process?
It’s secretive and top-down — The HHB Advisory Council hadn’t seen the policy until this week. This was not a feedback session — it was a done deal.
The HHB Council has had no accountability — They haven’t issued a report since 2016, and now school defense attorneys are shaping policy to protect institutions, not students.
Real conflict of interest — Lawyers who represent schools are weighing in heavily, while students and families harmed by harassment are being sidelined.
We need change — and that’s why H.130 exists: This bill would expand the HHB Council to include those with lived experience and community-based expertise.
Policy Concerns in the Draft:
Title IX split-off: Cases involving sexual harassment would bypass HHB procedures entirely — leading to confusion, inconsistent responses, and delays.
New hurdles for victims: The draft says people must “exhaust” all internal appeals before filing with the Human Rights Commission — a harmful and unlawful barrier.
Confusing legal disclaimers: A First Amendment clause could discourage schools from acting on harmful behavior.
Still inaccessible: Even longer than the current version, no plain-language release, no training, and no rollout plan.
Our Demands:
Pause the process immediately — No rollout until there’s real public engagement.
Commit to a full-year rewrite process — ending March 2026, followed by a year of training and rollout.
Center lived experience — Hold three listening sessions with families, students (with stipends), and educators who’ve been directly impacted.
Plain-language policy & recorded explainer — so everyone can understand and respond.
3-month public comment period — after accessible materials are released.
Protect HRC access — Do not block people from filing with the Human Rights Commission.
No implementation without meaningful translation, training, and oversight.
TAKE ACTION NOW
Email these decision-makers today and demand they stop the rushed process and support H.130:
Secretary of Education Zoie.Saunders@vermont.gov
All members of the HHB Advisory Council rmcbroom@vtnea.org
Members of the House & Senate Education Committees pconlon@leg.state.vt.us, cataylor@leg.state.vt.us, ebrady@leg.state.vt.us, jbrown@leg.state.vt.us, jdobrovich@leg.state.vt.us, lharple@leg.state.vt.us, rhunter@leg.state.vt.us, elong@leg.state.vt.us, kmccann@leg.state.vt.us, bquimby@leg.state.vt.us, ctoof@leg.state.vt.us, sbongartz@leg.state.vt.us, dweeks@leg.state.vt.us, kramhinsdale@leg.state.vt.us, nhashim@leg.state.vt.us, tkwilliams@leg.state.vt.us, sheffernan@leg.state.vt.us
Subject:
Pause the HHB Policy Rollout — Support a Transparent, Community-Led Process
Sample Message:
“I am writing to demand that the Agency of Education halt the HHB policy rollout until a fair and transparent process can be put in place. The HHB Council has failed in its duty of oversight and has not issued a report since 2016. School defense lawyers should not be setting policy without the voices of those most harmed by the current system. Please support H.130 and ensure this process centers students, families, and educators with lived experience.”
You can also fill this survey out before June 8th to tell the AOE this feedback directly.
Why This Matters
Vermont’s HHB policy has failed too many. We cannot allow another top-down rewrite that leaves behind the very people this policy is meant to protect. We need transparency, community leadership, and real accountability.
