GLOVER – It has been deeply disappointing to witness Senator Sam Douglass’ lack of accountability, for the role he played in the racist and hateful text thread shared among members of the Young Republicans that was exposed last week. I stood with Governor Phil Scott, Senate Minority Leader Scott Beck and the delegation of Orleans County Republican legislators in unequivocally calling for his immediate resignation, which he has thankfully now submitted.
I am glad that, in the end, he did the right thing.
However, even in his apology and statement of resignation, he seems to show very little understanding or acknowledgment for the serious harm that he has caused. There is no place for racism in our state or in our State House. As elected leaders, we must hold ourselves to the highest standards of respect for all people. When we engage in, or even tacitly tolerate acts of racism, hate speech or intolerance, even in jest, we erode public trust and undermine the dignity of all those we serve. I hold this belief to be true regardless of party affiliation.
I can say that I know and have worked with Senator Douglass professionally and will freely admit that I consider his commitment to public service to be genuine and sincere. Taking the time to recognize the humanity of someone and their mistakes, especially someone you know as a human being and fellow community member, can make holding people accountable less comfortable.
While I firmly do not believe that Senator Douglas has demonstrated the maturity required for public office, I can acknowledge his past dedication to his work, and have empathy for the difficult circumstances he and his family now face.
Additionally, as someone who also shares his love for this work, I have sympathy for everything that he now stands to lose because of his own poor choices.
He and his wife should not be made to feel threatened or unsafe. Now that Senator Douglass has resigned, we should allow him the dignity to exit quickly and quietly.
I believe it is worth bringing up, however, that what Senator Douglass is now facing is, in many ways, a reflection of a broader reckoning that we all must face as a country. It should not surprise any of us that, when we uplift public figures who villainize foreigners and mock minorities, people with disabilities and anyone deemed other, when we celebrate podcasters and influencers who pass off sexist or racist commentary as free speech, or when we tolerate such messages on T-shirts displayed openly in community spaces, public events and in front of children, we cultivate an America where that kind of behavior becomes normalized.
I find it disingenuous to act surprised now that new generations of leaders are trying to emulate that which so many in our country idolize.
We all share responsibility for calling out racism and intolerance wherever it appears and at all levels of government.
Much has been said in the last few weeks about turning down the temperature. It’s time for us to come together, bridge divides and truly turn it down by collectively saying no more.
Finally, as a teacher, I do not believe anyone is beyond growth. I do not wish to see Senator Douglass’s life or future destroyed by his poor choices. If he truly loves the Northeast Kingdom as much as he says he does, I hope this becomes a time of deep reflection and personal growth, so that someday he may serve his community again, perhaps in another capacity, with greater understanding and humility.
In this moment, I hope we can all move forward toward a more respectful, inclusive and positive future for the Northeast Kingdom.
Leanne Harple represents Orleans District 4 with Albany, Craftsbury, Glover and Greensboro in the Vermont House.
Rep. Leanne Harple
Leanne Harple represents Orleans-4, the towns of Albany, Craftsbury, Glover and Greensboro.
