Please join Vermont Law and Graduate School (VLGS) in celebrating the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., on Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023 from 12:45 to-2 p.m. in the Chase Community Center at Vermont Law and Graduate School.
VLGS is honored to welcome a panel that includes Chief Justice Paul Reiber, Vermont Supreme Court; Associate Justice Bill Cohen, Vermont Supreme Court; Associate Justice Nancy Waples, Vermont Supreme Court; Chief Superior Judge Thomas Zonay, Vermont Superior Court; and Xusana Davis, Vermont Executive Director of Racial Equity. They will speak to the theme: “What Does an Equitable Legal System Look Like in Vermont?”
In particular, the panelists will reflect on the recent statistical findings that showed in 2019, “Black people were over three times more likely to be defendants in a misdemeanor case and almost six times more likely to be defendants in a felony case compared to white people.”
To help address and respond to these disparities, the Vermont Judiciary established a Commission on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) tasked with understanding the causes, assessing solutions, and implementing changes.
The panelists, who are members of the Commission, will share what they have been working on and what they see as next steps for Vermont.
“We are excited to welcome our panelists to Vermont Law and Graduate School, and hope our Vermont neighbors will join us in both celebrating Dr. King’s legacy and building community,” said Lisa Ryan, associate dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Vermont Law and Graduate School. “We are grateful to have members of our judiciary participate in such an important and meaningful discussion.”
For more information about the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., celebration at Vermont Law and Graduate School, or about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Vermont Law and Graduate School, please email Associate Dean Lisa Ryan at lryan@vermontlaw.edu or call 802-831-1079. For more information about Vermont Law and Graduate School news and events, visit vermontlaw.edu/news-and-events.
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About Vermont Law and Graduate School: Vermont Law and Graduate School, a private, independent institution, is home to the nation’s premier environmental law program. The school features innovative experiential programs and is home to the Environmental Law Center, South Royalton Legal Clinic, Environmental Advocacy Clinic, Energy Clinic, Food and Agriculture Clinic, Environmental Justice Clinic, and Center for Justice Reform. For more information, visit www.vermontlaw.edu and follow on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.