Lawsuit Claims Vermont Child Welfare Agency Unlawfully Targeted Pregnant Woman to Seize Newborn

MONTPELIER, Vt. — A recent lawsuit alleges that the Vermont Department for Children and Families (DCF) manipulated concerns about a pregnant woman’s mental health as a pretext to secretly investigate and ultimately gain custody of her newborn daughter immediately after her delivery in February 2022. The American Civil Liberties Union of Vermont and Pregnancy Justice, a national advocacy organization, have teamed up to file the complaint against DCF, a local counseling center, and the hospital involved. According to the legal documents, the state of Vermont has been accused of engaging in the routine surveillance of … Read more

Judge Dismisses Lawsuit from Pro-Palestinian Student Group Against University of Vermont Over Campus Encampment

BURLINGTON, Vt. — A legal case involving a student group at the University of Vermont advocating for Palestinian rights has come to a close with the federal court ruling in favor of the university. The group, Students for Justice in Palestine, faced suspension after organizing a 10-day encampment on the university’s campus last spring, an act deemed by campus officials as a violation of multiple school policies. The student group contended that their suspension infringed upon their First Amendment rights, prompting a lawsuit against the institution. However, on December 20, Judge William Sessions dismissed the … Read more

Vermont Man Charged in Shooting of Three Palestinian Students Deemed Fit for Trial

Burlington, VT – In a Vermont courtroom, a judge has ruled that 49-year-old Jason Eaton is mentally competent to stand trial for the attempted murder of three University of Vermont students last November. The students, who are of Palestinian descent, were injured in a shooting that has ignited debates on racial and ethnic violence. During a recent hearing, the results of a psychological assessment affirmed Eaton’s ability to participate in legal proceedings. In response, his defense was granted additional time for gathering depositions, a process pivotal to both sides as they prepare for a trial … Read more

Suspect in Custody After Fatal Disturbance in Enosburgh, Vermont Leaves One Dead, Another Injured

Enosburgh, VT – A 29-year-old man was arrested Friday in relation to a violent incident in the small northern Vermont town of Enosburgh, which resulted in one fatality and left another individual hospitalized. According to Vermont State Police, the suspect, identified as Jordan Lawyer of Enosburgh, was taken into custody following an intensive search initiated after police responded to a distress call early Friday morning. The call reported a disturbance at a residence along West Enosburgh Road, a local route also known as Route 108. Upon arrival at the scene close to Tyler Branch Road … Read more