We Fought. They Listened. Vermont Chose Justice.
After an intense week of organizing, calls, emails, and community pressure, the Vermont Agency of Education (AOE) has submitted a Title VI compliance letter that reflects Vermont’s values—not Trump’s agenda (VT Digger article).
This letter is not a retreat. It’s a clear affirmation: Vermont’s DEI practices are legal, necessary, and here to stay. Secretary Zoie Saunders’ response pushes back against federal overreach and affirms what we’ve said all along:
✔️ There is no such thing as “illegal DEI.”
✔️ Inclusion is not discrimination.
✔️ Teaching about race, supporting affinity spaces, and hiring DEI staff are lawful and essential.
Read the full article from Education Week here.
Let’s be honest—this outcome wasn’t guaranteed. The original path nearly led us elsewhere. But because we spoke up, the AOE listened.
This is a win. And a warning.
If we hadn’t fought, the result would have been silence and compliance. And if we stop now, it could be again.
We call on Vermont’s leaders to:
Publicly reaffirm DEI as a core educational value
Include equity leaders in future policy conversations
Back protections for vulnerable students with action, not just words
We showed what’s possible when we fight together.
We’re proud of this moment—and ready for what’s next.
We’re not done. We’re just getting started.
Ways to get organized and stay organized:
Would you like to join the Education Justice Coalition of Vermont? Sign up for our upcoming orientation on May 7th 5:30-7:00pm to learn more and get plugged in.
Do you care about your local district? Join or form a local organizing committee and start by setting up a meeting to ask your school leaders these questions. Join an existing group fighting these fights locally such as the Rutland Area NAACP.
Do you work in a school? Join Vermont School Workers United to build worker power to make change.
Are you an educator of color? Join our VT Educators of Color Network and come to our May 16th-18th retreat.
Are you a student? Join or start a student social justice club and sign up for our Statewide Youth Social Justice Network to stay involved.
