Vermont Human Rights Commission – Montpelier, VT

Vermont Human Rights Commission: Championing Equality and Justice

The Vermont Human Rights Commission (VHRC) is the state agency dedicated to protecting the civil rights of people in Vermont. Located on Baldwin Street, just steps from the State House in Montpelier, the Commission acts as a quasi-judicial body empowered to enforce Vermont’s anti-discrimination laws. The VHRC investigates allegations of discrimination in housing, state government employment, and places of public accommodation (such as stores, restaurants, and schools). By promoting equal opportunity and combating unlawful prejudice, the Commission plays a vital role in ensuring a fair and inclusive society for all Vermonters.

Investigative Authority and Process

The core function of the VHRC is to impartially investigate complaints of discrimination. Their jurisdiction covers a wide range of protected categories, including race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, ancestry, place of birth, age, and disability.

• Complaint Intake: The process begins when an individual files a complaint. The Commission staff conducts a preliminary assessment to determine if they have jurisdiction under Vermont law.
• Neutral Investigation: Unlike a private attorney who advocates for a client, VHRC investigators are neutral fact-finders. They gather evidence, interview witnesses, and review documents to determine if there are reasonable grounds to believe discrimination occurred.
• Conciliation: If discrimination is found, the Commission seeks to resolve the matter through conciliation—a settlement process designed to provide remedies to the victim and prevent future violations without prolonged litigation.
• Litigation: If conciliation fails, the Commission has the authority to file a lawsuit in state court to enforce the law and seek damages or injunctive relief.

Education and Outreach

Beyond enforcement, the VHRC is committed to preventing discrimination through education. They provide training sessions for landlords, employers, and state agencies on their legal obligations. The Commission also influences policy by providing testimony to the Legislature and filing amicus curiae (friend of the court) briefs in cases involving significant civil rights issues.

Visiting the Commission

The Commission’s office is located in a converted historic building on Baldwin Street. While the staff is available to assist the public, the nature of their work involves sensitive interviews and confidential case files.

• Appointments: It is highly recommended to schedule an appointment before visiting. Intake interviews are often conducted over the phone to ensure privacy and efficiency.
• Accessibility: The facility is accessible to persons with disabilities. If you require an interpreter or specific accommodations (such as large print materials or ASL interpretation), please contact the office in advance.