Compassion in tough times
Positive messages are displayed in the windows at the front of the Barnard General Store. (Gareth Henderson Photo)
People throughout the U.S. have opened their hearts to their neighbors through volunteering and other support during the last few weeks, leading to numerous inspiring accounts of compassion and generosity.
That spirit will be needed more than ever, as three Vermont communities will be facing some significant challenges ahead, if proposed changes in higher education take place in the coming days.
Hundreds more Vermonters are now facing the specter of layoffs, following the Friday announcement that the state college system is proposing to close three of its campuses after taking a huge financial hit from the COVID-19 crisis.
Northern Vermont University’s two campuses in Lyndon and Johnson, and Vermont Technical College’s Randolph, would close under the plan, which goes before the Vermont State Colleges Board of Trustees for a vote on Monday.
The move would lay off over 500 people in the state college system, Chancellor Jeb Spaulding announced, adding the plan is necessary to sustain the system’s long-term viability as it faces a sudden current-year deficit of $7-10 million due to the crisis. Next year, enrollment is expected to plunge 15-20 percent, also because of the pandemic’s impact.
The plan would move NVU programs to Castleton University, and Vermont Technical College programs would consolidate to its Williston campus and other locations.
The towns of Lyndon, Johnson and Randolph will face some steep economic challenges if that plan goes forward, which appears likely. Vermonters have shown an indomitable determination to help each other and persevere through the most severe situations. It’s not a stretch to imagine that people would rally to help families and students impacted by these closures.
These layoffs would put unimaginable pressure to people already struggling to make it by, and the impact is a frightening prospect. Time and again, this crisis seems like an unrelenting enemy. Still, the love and courage expressed in this state and throughout the country are poised to outlast the resulting fear and hardship. However the “other side” of this crisis looks, we’ll help each other get there.
— Gareth Henderson
