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The challenging road ahead for Vermont’s historic truth commission


Chantell LaPan, an assistant professor at the University of North Carolina Greensboro, made a shocking discovery about her family’s history last winter. She found that her family was included in a eugenics survey conducted by the University of Vermont in the 1920s. The survey aimed to prove that “degeneracy” could be inherited, promoting the false theory of eugenics. LaPan was devastated to learn about the discrimination her family faced in Vermont, a state they had been in for generations.

This revelation prompted the creation of the Vermont Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which was established to address systemic discrimination perpetuated by state laws and policies. The commission’s mandate goes beyond eugenics to include various identity groups, such as Indigenous peoples, people of color, Franco-Americans, and those with disabilities. However, concerns have been raised about the commission’s ability to reach communities most affected by eugenics practices and the potential mischaracterization of those harmed.

One member of the Abenaki Council of Odanak, Suzie O’Bomsawin, expressed discomfort with the commission’s interaction with state-recognized tribes and raised concerns about confidentiality and the potential perpetuation of a false narrative about Abenaki peoples in Vermont. The commission’s decision to allow anonymous testimony has also sparked debate about transparency and accountability.

Despite these challenges, the commission is moving forward with plans to gather public testimony and document instances of discrimination. Advocates hope that the commission will address long-standing issues and hold the state accountable for past injustices. The road ahead may be difficult, but the commission remains dedicated to uncovering the truth and seeking justice for marginalized communities in Vermont.

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Photo credit www.vermontpublic.org

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