Eagle Times Staff
MONTPELIER, Vt. – The Vermont Human Rights Commission has appointment Big Harman as its new Executive Director.
“Big is one of the best staff attorney investigators who has worked at the Human Rights Commission,” said outgoing Executive Director Bor Yang. “They bring a wealth of knowledge and passion to the position. I have all of the confidence in their ability to move this agency forward.”
Hartman has worked at the Human Rights Commission since September 2021 as a staff attorney investigating complaints of discrimination. Hartman has also assisted parties in resolving their disputes by facilitating settlements. Hartman is passionate about providing training opportunities that can prevent discrimination from occurring by addressing topics such as fair housing laws, public accommodations best practices, unconscious bias, microaggressions, bystander intervention and workplace harassment.
After graduating from Vermont Law School in 2005, Hartman worked at a Stowe law firm representing Workers’ Compensation claimants and personal injury plaintiffs. From 2007-2013, Hartman was in-house counsel at the Vermont State Employees’ Association, representing the union and its members in cases before the Vermont Labor Relations Board and in Vermont courts. Before joining the commission, Hartman operated a solo law practice called Welcoming Workplaces that was focused on preventing workplace harassment through training and management consultations.
In 2019, Welcoming Workplaces contracted with the Vermont Commission on Women to compile resources and develop online content for VCW’s workplace harassment prevention website.
Over the years, Hartman has also served as a Board member for non-profit organizations, including the Vermont Association for Justice, the Washington County Bar Association, Circle of Women International, and the Pride Center of Vermont.
The Vermont Human Rights Commission was created by statute 35 years ago, with the purpose of enforcing anti-discrimination statutes and increasing awareness about the importance of full civil and human rights for all.
“Bor Yang leaves behind an incredible legacy of advancing civil rights protections and policy in Vermont. I consider it my duty to carry on her significant achievements to the fullest,” Hartman said. “It is an honor and privilege to be able to serve the State of Vermont as Executive Director of this important agency. At a time when marginalized people across this country feel their freedoms and civil rights are more threatened than ever, the Vermont Human Rights Commission will continue to be an active voice for equity, safety, and inclusion for all.”
Hartman is the first outwardly queer, non-binary person to serve as Executive Director of the commission.
“I want all members of the LGBTQI+, BIPOC, and disability communities to feel that the State of Vermont is a safe, welcoming and inclusive place to live and work. Despite the progress that has been made, Vermonters still have much to do to eradicate discrimination. The amazing staff and devoted commissioners at the Human Rights Commission will continue to serve as a crucial avenue of relief and justice for those who have faced discrimination in housing, public accommodations, or state employment.”
In the coming years, Hartman plans to revamp the agency’s website, increase community and online outreach and training and vigorously enforce the anti-discrimination statutes under the commission’s jurisdiction through complaint processing, investigations, and litigation.
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