It Isn’t ‘Rhetoric’ - It’s REAL.

Governor Scott’s recent comments brushing off concerns about federal overreach and civil rights rollbacks as mere “rhetoric” are more than disappointing—they’re dangerous.

At a time when LGBTQ+ youth, immigrants, people living with disabilities, and BIPOC folks are under increasing attack here and across the country, Vermonters are looking to leaders for courage and clarity. Instead, we received equivocations from Governor Scott’s administration — all while insisting that now is not the time for outrage.

Let’s be clear: this isn’t about politics. It’s about people’s lives.

Trans and queer youth are watching as their rights are stripped away, state after state. They’re watching to see if Vermont will stand with them or shrink. They’re watching what happens in our schools, our policies, and most importantly, in our actions. And what they’ve seen lately raises serious concerns. 

Under coercive pressure from the U.S. Department of Education, Governor Scott’s Agency of Education (AOE) directed Vermont school districts to comply with a request from the Trump administration, following a federal directive that schools ban “illegal” diversity, equity, and inclusion-related programs. Education Secretary Zoie Saunders issued a letter asking school districts to submit compliance certifications within 10 days, and advised districts to consult with their respective lawyers.

When questions, concerns, and outrage began to surface from local communities, partner organizations, and legislators, AOE did in fact reverse course - a harm reduction move we consider a win. The Governor, however, chose to frame those very concerns not as valid expressions of fear or a call for accountability, but as noise. What he deemed "rhetoric." 

Given the context, let’s talk about the impact of using that word. It’s dangerously dismissive. Intentional or not, it minimizes the lived experiences of marginalized young people. And it’s a deflection of responsibility, one that insulates his administration from the consequences of its own choices.

Meanwhile, the consequences are real. People in our communities are being detained. Students are being targeted. Families are being torn apart. The fear is not manufactured—it is lived, daily. 

The lack of clarity and conviction by the Scott Administration’s AOE is already causing a chilling effect. Here’s what we’ve heard from staff at Outright Vermont. 

• A district canceled a training, naming their biggest fear is being sued, and citing that their needs will not be supported by AOE.

• A superintendent aimed to cancel a GSA-led end-of-year celebration, citing the language from Secretary Saunders' latest communication. 

• A principle stated that they are unwilling to openly name and model verbal support for LGBTQ+ youth because they are not hearing from nor feeling like AOE actually “has their back,” even if the state has a policy that says schools should support queer and trans youth.

When Governor Scott tells us not to “live in a constant state of outrage,” he is asking the most vulnerable Vermonters to set aside their very real fears for the sake of his political comfort. That’s not leadership. It’s privilege.

Real leadership means facing the fire, not pretending it’s smoke. It means clearly affirming that Vermont will not be bullied into abandoning its values of equity and inclusion. It means transparency when decisions are made that impact people’s rights. It means acknowledging that silence, in moments like this, is not neutral—it’s a choice.

Governor Scott had an opportunity to say: Not here. Not in Vermont. We will not quietly roll back protections for our youth. We will not give in to federal intimidation. We will not pretend this is business as usual. 

This isn’t about partisan politics. It’s about whether Vermont will remain a place where all people are seen, valued, and protected. It’s about whether our leaders are willing to boldly stand up when it counts, not just when it’s convenient. This moment demands clarity and conviction - not caution. This moment demands a renewed commitment to our laws and values.

Dismissive statements that gaslight the current realities marginalized youth are facing won’t cut it. 

This moment demands so much more from all of us, and Governor Scott, it most certainly demands more from you. It’s time for action.