Dear Editor, Renee McGuinness’ recent attack on Proposal 4 implies that the purpose of the state constitutional amendment on the November ballot is to raise taxes, expand government bureaucracy, cancel rights and generate lawsuits. Actually, passage of Proposal 4 would add Article 23 to the Vermont Constitution, prohibiting the denial of rights based on race, ethnicity, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or national origin. The third and final sentence of the very brief article reads, “Nothing in this Article shall be interpreted or applied to prevent the adoption or implementation of measures intended to provide equality of treatment and opportunity for members of groups that have historically been subject to discrimination.” This is widely understood to mean that diversity, equity and inclusion programs may not be banned on the grounds that they discriminate against a traditionally privileged group. As of May, 30 states had civil rights provisions in their original or amended constitutions. As is required of Vermont constitutional amendments, Proposal 4 passed both legislative houses in two successive sessions. In spring 2026, the proposed amendment passed the House by 128-14 and the Senate by 29-0. The overwhelming approval of the measure by members of all parties may explain why there has been almost no discussion or debate about it ahead of the coming elections. Organizations including the Vermont Human Rights Commission, the Vermont Racial Justice Alliance, the League of Women Voters of Vermont and the American Civil Liberties Union of Vermont endorse Proposal 4. READ MORE Unfortunately, there are those who do not want guaranteed rights for certain individuals and groups enshrined in the constitution and will fabricate some far-fetched scenarios to frighten and prejudice voters against Proposal 4. I am confident that Vermonters will see through this nonsense and resoundingly affirm Proposal 4’s important assurance of equality.  Judy OlinickMiddlebury, Vt. Read the story on VTDigger here: Don’t let scare tactics sink Proposal 4. ...read more read less