Prop. 4: appropriate and necessary - and the work must continue

BRATTLEBORO-The midterm election brought significant results towards the possibility of a more safe, equitable, and humane society. Vermont overwhelmingly voted in favor of Proposal 4, an equal rights amendment to the state constitution, and will now join 30 other states in the union in reasserting the inherent rights of all who live in our state.

The passage of Prop. 4 in this state happened because of persistent and tireless advocacy and organizing of political activists and many folks in communities across the state. We know that when the people come together in the struggle for justice and humanity, we win.

Prop. 4 provides equal protections under the law for those who have historically and currently do not receive them. And Prop. 4 is a benefit to all Vermonters! Everyone does better when everyone does better.

The NAACP defends equal protection under the law primarily through the lens of the 14th Amendment, fighting to preserve birthright citizenship, civil rights, and constitutional protections against state-level or congressional rollbacks.

From its mission, this amendment is not only appropriate, but necessary. Now the work must continue and the NAACP, as always, will collaborate with our state and local partners to continue to address not just individual acts of discrimination but the discrimination that is built into our systems, institutions, policies, and practices.

We are also asking you as Vermonters to stay engaged, stay vigilant, and help us bring this constitutional amendment to life.

We know that laws and policies don't always change behavior and it is upon each of us to live out the principles of Prop. 4. The people of Vermont are responsible for paying attention to our own behavior and to others in our communities and government systems when the values that we claim to hold so dear, that we vote for, are not aligned with actions and behavior.

Prop 4 is about accountability, and now that we have won this fight, we must continue to do the hard work of holding our institutions and ourselves accountable.

Windham County and Rutland Area NAACP Branches

Brattleboro

Mary Gannon, for the executive committees

This letter to the editor was submitted to The Commons.

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Prop. 4: appropriate and necessary - and the work must continue

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