Declaration of Inclusion
City of Vergennes Declaration of Inclusion, Adopted August 23, 2022
WHEREAS, at its August 22, 2017 meeting, the Vergennes City Council unanimously passed the resolution
titled, “Reaffirming the Vergennes City Council values of inclusion, respect and justice.” (see below).
WHEREAS, that resolution affirmed that “the city condemns racism and welcomes all persons, regardless of
race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, age, or disability, and will protect
these classes to the fullest extent of the law.”
WHEREAS, in 2020, a grassroots effort called Vermont Declaration of Inclusion
(https://vtdeclarationofinclusion.org/) began working with Vermont leaders to reinforce the message that
Vermont is a welcoming and safe place for all.
WHEREAS, the intent of the Declaration of Inclusion is to indicate and reinforce the message
to all visitors, residents, and those thinking about or planning to come and stay, that:
• Vermont is a welcoming community
• Vermont invites all to bring their families and friends, as well as their talents and skills
• Vermont is a community of people who will treat them fairly, provide encouragement and support for
their interests
• Vermont will bring the full resources of the state, cities, and towns to ensure their well-being and
security
WHEREAS, Vermont Declaration of Inclusion has gained the support of the National Association for the
Advancement of Colored People – Vermont; Vermont Chamber of Commerce; Vermont League of Cities and
Towns; Vermont Social Equity Caucus.
WHEREAS, to date, 61 towns and cities, home to 40% of the state’s population (259,412 Vermonters) have
adopted the Declaration of Inclusion.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Vergennes fully supports the Declaration of Inclusion
which states:
• The City of Vergennes condemns racism and welcomes all persons, regardless of race, color, religion,
national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, age, or disability, and wants everyone to feel safe and
welcome in our community.
• As a city, we formally condemn all discrimination in all of its forms, commit to fair and equal treatment
of everyone in our community, and will strive to ensure all of our actions, policies, and operating
procedures reflect this commitment.
• The City of Vergennes has and will continue to be a place where individuals can live freely and express
their opinions.
Adopted by the Vergennes City Council on August 23, 2022
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Vergennes City Council RESOLUTION Adopted August 22, 2017
Reaffirming the Vergennes City Council values of inclusion, respect, and justice.
WHEREAS, the phrase "We the People" encompasses every American from every background and every walk of life, and
WHEREAS, the United States was founded by immigrants, many fleeing true persecution, who enshrined the Bill of Rights as one of our nation's fundamental legal and ethical principles, and
WHEREAS, the Vergennes City Council supports the rights of people in our nation to love whom theI choose; to practice the religion of their choice; to support their families; to be free from discrimination in housing, employment, and public accommodations; and to be safe and secure in their homes and communities, and
WHEREAS, the Vergennes City Council supports freedom of speech - the same freedom of speech that allows even the most offensive views to be expressed while also protecting the right to condemn those offensive views in the clearest and plainest language possible, all while done peacefully,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Vergennes City Council does hereby reject the message of all hate groups; declare that those who want to spread hatred, bigotry, and violence have no place in our city; and commit to ensuring that Vergennes remains an inclusive, respectful, and just city that is proud to support people of diverse cultures, faiths, beliefs, and identities, and to celebrate both our individuality and commonality; a place of love and grace where hate is not welcome.
Adopted this 22nd day of August, 2017.