Teacher and parent urges Burlington School Board to pass resolution supporting vulnerable students

Carly Bennett, a public school teacher and parent, told the Burlington School Board on Dec. 10 that she wants the board to pass a resolution bolstering district support for vulnerable students and staff. "Members of the Burlington School Board, please pass a resolution bolstering the Burlington School District's support for our most vulnerable students and staff," Bennett said, citing survey data and recent events that she described as evidence of growing hostility.

Bennett cited results from the Vermont Youth Risk Behavior Survey showing that students who identify as LGBTQ+ report anxiety and self-harm behaviors at nearly three times the rate of their heterosexual, cisgender peers and said BIPOC students experience threatening behavior at almost double the rate of white classmates. She also referenced a recent Chicago Board of Education resolution and asked the board to adopt a similar public statement and commitments on training and support.

Board members responded by thanking Bennett for speaking and expressing support for protecting students. Superintendent Flanagan said the district is "working on that" and indicated he looked forward to future conversations with the board about a possible resolution. Commissioners publicly acknowledged receipt of Bennett's written correspondence and expressed interest in further discussion.

The board did not take a formal vote on a resolution at the Dec. 10 meeting; members indicated they would continue the conversation at a later date and follow up with district staff about next steps and possible language to consider.