Equal is Equal, Fair is Fair

$12.99

Allen Gilbert

Equal is Equal, Fair is Fair is about Vermont's push during the last 25 years for equity in education, marriage benefits for same-sex couples, and health care services. Why Vermont, and why success in the first two areas but not the third? What's the history behind these movements? Key is Vermont's constitution, the least amended of any state constitution in the country. It contains a vision for equity that's created through citizens' equal access to society's privileges and benefits. Some social scientists believe that the application of reason to bring about collaboration is an ability that sets humans apart from other animals. Striving toward equity becomes one of the most important tasks a society must take up if it hopes to work together to accomplish more than individuals working alone can do. "This is an engaging inside story of how movements for social justice that began in a small state have led to big social change," said David Goodman, author and host of the radio broadcast, The Vermont Conversation.

Allen Gilbert

Equal is Equal, Fair is Fair is about Vermont's push during the last 25 years for equity in education, marriage benefits for same-sex couples, and health care services. Why Vermont, and why success in the first two areas but not the third? What's the history behind these movements? Key is Vermont's constitution, the least amended of any state constitution in the country. It contains a vision for equity that's created through citizens' equal access to society's privileges and benefits. Some social scientists believe that the application of reason to bring about collaboration is an ability that sets humans apart from other animals. Striving toward equity becomes one of the most important tasks a society must take up if it hopes to work together to accomplish more than individuals working alone can do. "This is an engaging inside story of how movements for social justice that began in a small state have led to big social change," said David Goodman, author and host of the radio broadcast, The Vermont Conversation.

 

Allen Gilbert was executive director of the ACLU of Vermont from 2004 to 2016. Before that, he worked in journalism as a reporter and editor. He taught writing at several Vermont colleges, and lived abroad teaching American studies at a German university.

Review Quote:

"... a book of great importance, timeliness, and originality. Current and future discussions of equity in Vermont are bound to reference the ideas [Allen Gilbert] so eloquently advances." - Stephanie Seguino, University of Vermont economics professor "Everyone interested in Vermont history should have this book on their bookshelf, especially those politicians and lawyers who may end up at the forefront of the next contentious discussion." - Joe Benning, state senator and minority leader "In crisp prose supported by extensive, meticulous research, Allen Gilbert has traced the legal and social history of a basic Vermont ideal - that everyone, on a fair and equal basis, is entitled to the benefits of society." - Tom Slayton, former editor, Vermont Life "It takes everyday heroes to stand up and speak out and challenge the status quo. Gilbert tells those personal stories and he, too, is one of those everyday heroes." - Chris Graff, Vermont AP bureau chief 1980-2006 "This is an engaging inside story of how movements for social justice that began in a small state have led to big social change." - David Goodman, author and host, The Vermont Conversation