Behind Vermont’s DEI debate

by Dave Soulia, by FYIVT.com

In Montpelier, the words “diversity, equity, and inclusion” (DEI) flow as freely as maple syrup in spring. Vermont’s legislators have built an impressive portfolio of DEI initiatives, from the IDEAL Vermont program to countless bills and acts mandating inclusion, such as Act 33 (H.210) and the Welcoming, Equitable & Antiracist Communities Recovery Initiative. Millions of taxpayer dollars have been poured into ensuring that Vermonters of all backgrounds feel welcomed and included—at least on the surface.

But look a little closer, and you’ll notice a glaring gap. While Vermont’s Democratic and Progressive leadership has perfected the art of celebrating intrinsic characteristics—race, gender, ethnicity—they have quietly but firmly excluded anyone who dares to challenge their ideological echo chamber. Philosophical and intellectual diversity? Not on their watch.

The Rules of Inclusion (for Everyone Else)

The same legislature that mandates gender-free restrooms and racial equity offices seems to have missed the memo on including ideological minorities in the state’s decision-making process. Instead, Vermont’s leadership remains a political monoculture, dominated by Democrats and Progressives. While this uniparty dominance reflects the electoral makeup, it flies in the face of the inclusion they claim to champion.

The irony is striking: they legislate DEI for schools, workplaces, and communities, but when it comes to their own ranks, there’s little room for dissent or differing viewpoints.

A Lack of Voice: The “Money Quote”

This hypocrisy was laid bare in a statement by Senate President Pro Tem Chris Bray, as highlighted by Rob Roper in his Behind The Lines article. Reflecting on Republican contributions—or their perceived lack thereof—they remarked:

“We are going to make it clear that if nothing comes from the Republican side, do they deserve a full voice in the argument?”

You can watch the statement here.

Let that sink in. The party that insists on inclusion and equality openly questions whether Republicans—representing nearly a quarter of the electorate—deserve a voice at all. This is the ideological equivalent of gatekeeping. If your ideas don’t fit the mold, you’re out of the club.

Meet the “Ideists”

This brand of selective inclusion warrants a new label: “ideists.” Like “racists,” who judge people based on intrinsic characteristics such as race, ideists exclude and discriminate based on ideology. Their commitment to diversity begins and ends with what’s visible, conveniently ignoring intellectual or philosophical differences.

Ideists prioritize superficial diversity while silencing dissent. In doing so, they create an echo chamber where groupthink reigns supreme, and innovation withers on the vine. What could be more antithetical to the spirit of inclusion?

The Gatekeeper of Bills

In Vermont’s House of Representatives, the Speaker holds significant sway over the legislative process. As the one who assigns bills to committees and appoints committee chairs, the Speaker effectively determines which issues are prioritized and which languish in obscurity. This role makes the Speaker the ultimate gatekeeper of what gets debated, voted on, or quietly buried.

Given the overwhelming dominance of Democrats and Progressives in leadership, this power is rarely shared across ideological lines. Historically, several committees have been entirely devoid of Republican members, ensuring that opposing perspectives are absent from discussions. This exclusion isn’t just about party imbalance—it’s a deliberate sidelining of dissent, consolidating the uniparty’s control over Vermont’s governance.

Even within committees that do include Republicans, the minority’s influence is minimal, as committee chairs are handpicked by the Speaker to align with the majority’s agenda. In a state that prides itself on equity and inclusion, such practices reveal a glaring contradiction: only one form of diversity matters, and it’s not the diversity of thought.

Dollars and Sense

The state has spent millions of dollars on DEI initiatives over the years, from $250,000 for IDEAL Vermont to $280,000 for community equity grants. And while these programs have undoubtedly made strides in certain areas, they’ve done little to address the exclusionary practices within the legislature itself.

Imagine if just a fraction of that funding were dedicated to fostering ideological diversity in leadership. Could Vermont’s governance be more innovative, balanced, and representative? Instead, taxpayers are funding programs that talk a big game about inclusion while ignoring a key aspect of it.

Why It Matters

The absence of ideological diversity doesn’t just hurt Republicans; it hurts everyone. Without opposing views to challenge assumptions, policymaking becomes a one-sided affair. Complex issues like education, healthcare, and the economy require robust debate, not rubber-stamped groupthink.

By excluding dissenting voices, Vermont’s leadership risks alienating a significant portion of its population. Worse, it undermines the very principles of equity and inclusion they claim to uphold. Diversity isn’t just about how we look; it’s about how we think and what we believe. Failing to recognize this isn’t just hypocritical—it’s harmful.

A Call for True Inclusion

If Vermont’s leaders want to be champions of diversity, they must start by looking in the mirror. Inclusion means more than checking demographic boxes; it means creating a space where all voices—not just those in ideological alignment—are heard and respected. Otherwise, their DEI efforts will remain what they are now: hollow platitudes masking a deeply exclusionary system.

In the meantime, let’s call this what it is: ideism. Because nothing says “equity” like shutting out anyone who disagrees.