The Vermont Human Rights Commission is struggling with record caseloads and short staffing, turning away dozens of discrimination complaints in recent years. Cases that are accepted are taking about six times longer than the state standard to resolve. The commission is pushing for more staff through a proposed bill, H.38, to handle the increasing workload.
Cases investigated by the commission range from discrimination in employment and housing to acts verging on violence, with one particular case involving racist harassment and threats towards a family from Mexico in 2021. The commission believes the rise in cases may be linked to the housing crisis in Vermont and an increase in hate speech nationally.
The proposed bill would nearly double the commission’s staff, adding more investigators to handle the workload. The commission’s executive director acknowledges the challenges, including burnout among employees due to the emotional toll of handling traumatic cases. Despite improvements in case resolution times in fiscal year 2024, the commission still falls short of the state and federal standards.
Legislators are being urged to support the bill to provide justice for victims of discrimination and harassment. The commission hopes for backing from the administration and legislative leaders to address the pressing need for additional resources. Although concerns remain about funding decisions, there is a sense of hope that the importance of protecting human rights will be recognized and supported.
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