ACR Project Complaint Concerning Vermont’s Violation of Title VI Through Discriminatory Business Coaching Program

Today, the ACR Project filed with the U.S. Treasury Department a Title VI complaint, concerning Vermont’s recently announced launch of an intentionally racially discriminatory business coaching and training program.

Vermont Governor Phil Scott proudly announced last month the roll out of a program, funded entirely with federal dollars, providing “outreach, support, training, technical assistance, networking, and resource navigation for BIPOC business owners and workers.”  The state’s legislation authorizing this use of federal money expressly defines “BIPOC” to include “Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color.”

The state thus intentionally, expressly excludes Vermonters from participating in and denies Vermonters the benefits of this federally-funded program based on their race, color, and national origin.  Title VI has prohibited exactly that for almost 60 years.

You can read our full administrative complaint, below.