Introduction
We all do better when we listen and acknowledge the truth of our past and present. We all have a role to play in shining a light on injustice.
By coming together to acknowledge injustice and resolve differences, we can create a shared future for all Vermonters.
Telling your truth of the injustice will become a public record, or a record that the public has access to. It will also help the Vermont Truth and Reconciliation Commission (VTRC) recommend changes related to Vermont systems and laws. VTRC will provide these recommendations to the legislature.
Based on the Commission’s strategic plan, there are several ways that truth statements can be shared. Some are confidential, and some are not confidential. Confidentiality means that your name and personally identifying information can be anonymous when your statement becomes public record.
The confidential ways to tell your truth statement are as follows:
- Submit online or by mail
- Attend private office hours with a commissioner
- Attend group sessions (arranged by the Commission - if there is interest, please email vtrc@vermont.gov)
Definitions
| Confidentiality |
Confidentiality means that you can be anonymous when your statement becomes public record. |
| Public Record | Free and open access to records. A record is information stored in the Vermont State Archives and Records Administration |
| Public Event v. Private Event |
As these are Public Meetings, Commissioners will not vote nor make official decisions. Only at private events will VTRC be able to ensure confidentiality. A public event is open to all. A private event is limited to the people invited and agreed upon by truth-tellers. |
| Redaction of Personal Information |
Personal Identifying Information includes name, town, address, etc. Redating means removing name or identifying information. If identifying information could be disclosed, a summary can be submitted. |
| Publishing | Information that is shared in print (ex: social media, website, and VTRC final report). |
Mandate
Act 128 mandates the work of the VTRC. Under this direction, the following reference pertains to confidentiality.
1 VSA § 909. ACCESS TO INFORMATION; CONFIDENTIALITY
“The Commission shall permit any individual who is interviewed by the Commission to elect to have the individual’s interview conducted in a manner that protects the individual’s privacy and to have any recording of the interview kept confidential by the Commission. Any other record or document produced in relation to an interview conducted pursuant to this subdivision (d)(1) shall be available to the public in an anonymized form that does not reveal the identity of any individual.”
1 VSA § 912. GROUP SESSIONS; DUTY OF CONFIDENTIALITY
Check Act 128 for further information about confidentiality and groups
Confidentiality
Confidentiality means that your name and identifying information can be anonymous when your statement becomes public record.
Public Event vs. Private Event
A public event might include a truth-telling event that occurs in a public forum. The recording of it will kept at VSARA. Journalists or anyone that requests the information can use the information they find at VSARA.
The VTRC will host the public forum but is not a judicial body and will not make judgements about whether someone has committed a crime or discrimination. Further, the VTRC cannot protect the speaker from any liability for the accusations they may make. The participant can decide if they would like to withhold the names of anyone that they are accusing of wrongdoing.
If a participant shares their statement in private, they can determine which parts of their statement will remain confidential. The VTRC recognizes that Vermont is a small state. Participants identifying information could be revealed as a result. It is important that participants consider which parts of the truth-telling statement are identifying. For examples: participants may wish to redact the name of their town or school.
Each truth-teller will sign the confidentiality form or audibly consent to the confidentiality agreement. VTRC will not be able to proceed with a confidential experience if the form has not been agreed to.
Public Record
The VTRC was established through a legislative mandate, one of its key responsibilities being to “create a public record of institutional, structural, and systemic discrimination in Vermont resulting from or enabled by State laws and policies.” This public record will encompass all research, statements, and documentation produced throughout the Commission’s process.
To find more information about public records, visit Vermont Secretary of State.