Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Equity Representation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Resident urges 'apartheid-free' pledge, says BIPOC residents feel "invisible and unheard"
Summary
At the Dec. 15 South Burlington City Council meeting, resident Lydia Diamond called for an "apartheid-free" ballot pledge and said the city lacks BIPOC representation; another resident urged the council to respond. Councilors listened but did not take immediate action.
Lydia Diamond, a South Burlington resident of nearly 20 years, used the public comment period to urge the City Council to place an "apartheid-free" pledge on the ballot and to address what she described as a lack of Black, Indigenous and other people of color representation in city government. "I feel invisible and unheard," Diamond said, recounting multiple unsuccessful runs for council and asking the council what it would do to change representation.
Margaret Joyle, speaking remotely, said she seconded Diamond's call and urged councilors to reflect on privilege and work to include "people from all over the world and from many different backgrounds." The council did not take a policy vote during the meeting; Chair Tim thanked both speakers and moved on to the agenda.
