Allen Gilbert

Equal is Equal, Fair is Fair: Vermont's Quest for Equity in Education Funding, Same-Sex Marriage, and Health Care 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.