by Guy Page
Vermont Law and Graduate School in South Royalton, in partnership with the Brooks Institute for Animal Rights Law and Policy and Brooks McCormick Jr. Trust for Animal Rights Law and Policy, will offer up to three residential Animal Law LLM fellowships for the 2024-25 academic year, with full tuition waivers plus stipends of $35,000 to cover expenses.
According to a VLGS statement, Brooks Institute for Animal Rights Law and Policy Fellows will earn an Animal Law LLM degree and work toward advancing legal protections for animals. VLGS’s animal law program is built on the growing recognition of the interconnections between human, environmental and animal well-being, which is reflected in course offerings, events and mentorships.
The Vermont Legislature last year heard testimony on limiting trapping, restricting hunting bears and coyotes with dogs, and considered other legislation regarding cruelty to both wild and domesticated animals.
AG Charity Clark applauds closed-door climate change policy meeting – Vermont’s Attorney General spoke with glowing praise of the Energy Action Network annual summit – an event that was closed to non-invited Vermonters, as Alison Despathy reported September 28 (“Public not welcome, but lawmakers are at energy summit”).
AG Charity Clark posted on her Facebook page four days ago, September 29: “Climate change is the existential crisis of our time. Talking about solutions with fellow political leaders today at @energyactionnetwork_vt annual summit was charged with hope. Thank you to my fellow panelists, moderator Rep. Gabrielle Stebbins, and summit participants.”
As Despathy noted, participants included only the invited – presumably mostly pro-renewable power lawmakers, students, and policy advocates. In a place where connections are made and alliances among decision-makers are formed, participation was selected by EAN leadership.
It’s notable that Stebbins – who consistently votes in support of renewable power and climate change initiatives – is a member of the EAN advisory board and makes her (non-legislature) living as “managing consultant at Hinesburg-based Energy Futures Group, where she assists residents, communities, and utilities in efficiently shifting to renewable energy,” according to her legislative biography.
Other elected officials seen appearing at the meeting include Treasurer Mike Pieciak, House Natural Resources and Energy Chair Amy Sheldon, and Lt. Gov. David Zuckerman.
Anti-Ukraine war rally – a reader passed along this coming event of a rally opposing U.S. involvement in the Russo-Ukrainian war: “Wed., Oct. 4, State-wide rally/demonstration, Burlington, “Stop funding the war, start talks now!” against Ukraine War. Meet at “Democracy” statue, 199 Main St., 11 a,m. then march up Church Street. Main rally noon at 1 Church Street in front of Sen. Sanders’ office. Sponsored by VT Peace/Anti-war Coalition, WILPF, and Vets for Peace. Rain date, Oct. 5. Info: 802 862-2024.”