Legislators in the Vermont House have unanimously supported a resolution apologizing to all Vermonters and their families and descendants who were harmed by state-sanctioned eugenics policies and practices that led to sterilizations.
During the eugenics movement some Vermonters were placed on a state-sanctioned list of “mental defectives” and degenerates and sent to state institutions. They were largely of mixed French Canadian and Native American heritage or were poor, rural white people.
The Vermont House passed the resolution without debate. “All those in favor please say aye. (Ayes)”
The resolution encourages further legislative action to address the continuing impact of eugenics policies.
The Associated Press contributed to this report. Contents © copyright 2021. All rights reserved.