Vermont Gov. Phil Scott has signed an executive order creating a task force that will look for ways to promote racial, ethnic and cultural equity in the state.
U.S. Census figures show that 1.4% of Vermont’s population is black or African American. Governor Scott signed an order forming a Racial Equity Task Force to work on projects including evaluation of hate speech laws and disparities in COVID-19 death rates. He says it’s not a cure-all for racism in the state. “For those of us who are white who aren’t typically a victim of it we need to take a very close look. Because the reality is it’s everywhere. Even here.”
Appointments to the task force will be made next week and initial recommendations are due by mid-August.
The Associated Press contributed to this report. Contents © copyright 2020. All rights reserved.