Below is a selection of recent news highlights featuring members of Vermont Law and Graduate School’s faculty and staff.
American College of Tax Counsel Elects New Fellows
September 24, 2025
Newswires
Janet Milne, director of the Environmental Tax Policy Institute, was elected as one of thirteen new fellows with the American College of Tax Counsel, a nonprofit association of tax attorneys recognized for their excellence in tax practice and substantial contributions and commitment to the legal profession.
Davona Williams Granted Bond by Immigration Judge, Expected to Return to Vermont and Reunite with Family
September 30, 2025
VTDigger
Davona Williams, taken into Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody in August, was granted bond by an Immigration Court judge in Detroit. Christopher Worth, visiting assistant professor with the Center for Justice Reform, is representing Williams.
Staffing Cuts and Legal Setbacks Limit USDA’s Ability to Ensure Animal Welfare
October 7, 2025
Federal News Network
Delcianna Winders, director of the Animal Law and Policy Institute, sat down with Terry Gerton of The Federal Drive to discuss the issues with USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS).
Meet our Member! Guanchi Zhang
October 8, 2025
International Academic Association on Planning, Law, and Property Rights
Guanchi Zhang, assistant professor of law, recently joined the International Academic Association on Planning, Law, and Property Rights.
Governor Announces Judicial ‘Surge’ to Tackle Burlington Crime Backlog
October 10, 2025
WCAX
Vermont Governor Phil Scott recently announced a move to create a special Community Accountability Court to address a backlog of criminal cases in Chittenden County. Jared Carter JD’09, professor of law, provides his analysis.
Lisa Kent Merges Pastel and Haiku in “Vision and Verse” Collection
October 21, 2025
Community News Service
Vermont artist Lisa Kent is currently showing a collection that combines pastel artwork with haiku entitled “Vision and Verse” in the Dean Shirley A. Jefferson Gallery at VLGS. Dave Celone JD’92, vice president of alumni relations and development, is quoted about the quality and effect of this collection, as well as the connections he sees to the mission of the school itself.
School Meals are About to Get a Lot Less Local—and Less Healthy
October 22, 2025
FoodPrint
School meal programs are facing a number of challenges, thanks to recent federal funding cuts and policy changes. Lihlani Nelson, deputy director and senior researcher for the Center for Agriculture and Food Systems, spoke with journalist and former environmental media fellow Lela Nargi to break down the current farm to school policy landscape.
New ‘Accountability Court’ Begins Hearing Repeat Offender Cases
October 22, 2025
WCAX
As cases begin to funnel through Chittenden County’s Community Accountability Court in an effort to address Burlington’s public safety problems, Robert Sand JD’87, professor of law, talks through what is required of participants in order for this project to be successful.
Oil Giant Total’s Net Zero Claims Broke the Law, Court Rules
October 24, 2025
ExxonKnews
French oil company TotalEnergies was ruled with with misleading its consumers by making claims that it aims for “net zero” emissions and helps lead the energy transition while making plans to increase its fossil fuel production. Pat Parenteau, professor of law emeritus and senior fellow for climate policy, is quoted about this landmark ruling.
Guest Idea: Give Your Business an October Efficiency Check
October 28, 2025
Earth911
For many businesses, this time of year presents an opportunity to reflect on sustainability efforts and areas of inefficiency. Mark James, interim director of the Institute for Energy and the Environment, is quoted about this seasonal practice.