An Appeal to People Supporting Civil Rights in Vennont

Public Hearing re:Human Rights Commission
Wednesday October 26, 1994
2:00PM - 5:00PM, then 6:30PM - (2)

The Statehouse - Room 11_ F ‘’
Montpelier

What is needed: .
- Testimony regarding the continuing need for the Human Rights.Commission .

(H.R.C.), or your own experience with the H.R.C., on October 26th in front of the

Legislature’s Committee on Civil Rights Enforcement; ‘or

- Calls to the members of the committee, listed below; or T r ’ 4

- Attendance at the two other meetings of the legislative study committee,
November 10th and December 1st at 9:00AM in the Statehouse, Room 11. _

'lheopposiliontoIheH.Fl.C.: C» -

- People who lost cases in front of the H.R.C., or who" are disgruntled about
being investigated have organized to oppose the work of the H.R.C.
T - The Vermont Republican Party Platform includes a provision stating, "We will
abolish the Human Rights Commission." ‘ . . , ,

C The H.R.C. voornrniiment to  rights:

Fact #1: Over the past six years, the H.R.C.ihas accepted for investigation more
than 700 claims from families and individuals who believed they suffered unlawful

discrimination. A ‘

Fact #2: The H.R.C. is the state agency exclusively devoted to enforcing Vermont’s
anti-discrimination laws which prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color,
religion, national origin, sex,,sexual orientation, disability, age and marital status. In
housing, families with minor children and people who receive public assistance are
also protected. . « r ' - T

Fact #3: The H.R.C. investigates charges.of discrimination in: the rental and sale of _

housing; state employment; and, places of public accommodation (e.g. schools,
stores, government offices). h ’

Fact ‘#4: The I-VI.R'.C. enforces Vermont’s anti-discrimination laws by conducting 9
investigations into allegations of discrimination, facilitating settlements withoutthe