Seeking real change
A couple crosses Elm Street in Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)
As the U.S. looks to find its way through the aftermath of the tragic death of George Floyd, Vermont’s leadership offered a statewide perspective today and announced steps forward.
Gov. Phil Scott’s press conference came after Sunday night’s protests, riots and looting throughout U.S. cities, including nearby Boston. It came a week after Scott and the Vermont State Police condemned the actions of police in Minneapolis that caused Floyd’s death.
On Monday, Scott called on all Vermonters to consider what they can do to address the issue of racial inequality.
“We must all make clear, enough is enough,” he said.
Scott also urged people to understand the history that led up to this point.
“While we’re watching the response across the country, it’s important to reflect on a quote from Dr. Martin Luther King, who said, ‘A riot is the language of the unheard.’ They simply don’t know what else to do,” he said. “And for those who see the national protests and feel disdain instead of sympathy, just know, the reactions we’re seeing in cities around the country are the results of decades, actually centuries, of calls for help that went unheard.”
The governor called Floyd’s death at the hands of police “barbaric and totally inexcusable,” saying the officers involved should be charged and tried for murder (one officer is facing a murder charge; three others were fired). Scott also mentioned the recent, and peaceful, protests which occurred in Vermont.
“I assure you, we’re listening. We hear what you have to say,” he said, asking that future protests also be done “peacefully and safely,” especially amid the pandemic.
Scott said we all should remember this about Floyd’s death: “It’s not an isolated incident.” Therefore, he added, just listening is not enough — action needs to be taken.
On Monday, Scott announced the launch of a statewide Racial Equity Task Force, which had already been in the works for several months. He said the task force will:
Look at the disparities among COVID-19 infection and death rates and examine how to close those gaps.
Evaluate available supports for racially diverse populations.
Review current state and federal law on hate speech.
Contemplate ways to encourage Vermonters from a range of racial and ethnic groups to run and serve in public office at all levels.
The governor acknowledged the task force, the members of which will be announced next week, is not the whole solution.
“It’s going to take some soul-searching and real change, individually, to make a difference,” Scott said. “We should take this time to reflect on what role each of us can play to end hate, racism and bigotry. And for those of us who are white, and not typically the victim of it, we have to take a very close look, because the reality is, it’s everywhere, even here.”
Scott said hate and inequality pose a bigger long-term risk to the nation than even COVID-19. But we have the opportunity to address it, together.
“It just takes us, united, to make this a better country for everyone,” he said.
— Gareth Henderson
