MIDDLEBURY, Vt. -- Middlebury President Laurie Patton joined with other members of Vermont's education community today in signing a joint statement supporting diversity, equity, and inclusiveness in Vermont. Notably, the statement was also signed by Governor Peter Shumlin and Governor-elect Phil Scott, who put aside political differences to endorse the statement. Shumlin is a Democrat, Scott a Republican.
Twenty-five of Vermont's higher education leaders signed the statement in addition to the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC) and the Vermont Business Roundtable.
Following is the full statement:
“Vermont has fought for centuries for freedom and unity, equity and openness. Vermont remains a beacon of hope and opportunity, community and shared humanity. Vermont was the first to commit to the abolition of slavery in our state constitution and a leader in the fight for marriage equality. We will continue to support all Vermonters and welcome people of all backgrounds to the Green Mountain state.
“We, the undersigned, condemn any acts of unlawful discrimination, violence, and intimidation that target differences in national origin, race, sex, gender, religion, disability, or political viewpoint across our nation. Such acts run counter to the rights and freedoms upon which our country was founded and to the core values of the state of Vermont.
“Vermont is committed to fostering welcoming communities and an equitable, diverse, and inclusive society.”
Governor Peter Shumlin
Governor-elect Phil Scott
Lisa M. Ventriss, President
Vermont Business Roundtable
T. Gregory Dewey, President
Albany College of Pharmacy
Mariko Silver, President
Bennington College
David Wolk, President
Castleton University
Michelle Ollie, President
Center for Cartoon Studies
Don Laackman, President
Champlain College
Lawrence Jensen, Interim President
College of Saint Joseph
Joyce Judy, President
Community College of Vermont
Robert Kenny, President
Goddard College
Robert Allen, President
Green Mountain College
Elaine Collins, President
Johnson State College
Peter Eden, President
Landmark College
Nolan Atkins, Interim President
Lyndon State College
Kevin Quigley, President
Marlboro College
Laurie Patton, President
Middlebury College
Richard Schneider, President
Norwich University
Donald Steinberg, President
School for International Training Graduate Institute
David Rees Evans, President
Southern Vermont College
Matthew Derr, President
Sterling College
John Neuhauser, President
Saint Michael’s College
Tom Sullivan, President
University of Vermont
Roger H. Sublett, President
Union Institute and University
Marc B. Mihaly, President and Dean
Vermont Law School
Thomas Greene, President
Vermont College of Fine Arts
Jeb Spaulding, Chancellor
Vermont State Colleges
Pat Moulton, Interim President
Vermont Technical College
Scott Giles, President & CEO
Vermont Student Assistance Corporation