Sponsors (2)
The resolution publicly condemns and affirms protections for communities targeted for religion or ethnicity and raises awareness of bias-motivated violence, but it is largely symbolic—providing no direct services or funding and carrying a risk of political polarization.
Palestinian, Arab, and Muslim communities (and others targeted for religion or ethnicity) are publicly affirmed as entitled to safety and non-discrimination, reinforcing legal and social recognition of their protections.
Students and local communities see the Burlington attack explicitly named, which raises public awareness of bias-motivated violence and can prompt law enforcement attention and community prevention efforts.
Students, racial-ethnic minorities, and victims receive only a symbolic statement without new services or funding, leaving practical needs (medical care, counseling, victim assistance) unaddressed.
Racial-ethnic minorities and immigrants may be affected by increased polarization because singling out one incident and group amid an active international conflict could be perceived as politically charged.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Condemns a November 25, 2023 attack in Burlington, notes rising threats against Palestinian communities, and affirms no one should face violence for religion, ethnicity, heritage, or identity.
Expresses condemnation of a November 25, 2023 shooting in Burlington, Vermont, that wounded three college students—one left paralyzed—and states the victims were targeted for wearing a traditional Palestinian-patterned scarf and speaking Arabic. The resolution notes increased threats and violence against Palestinian communities and links such incidents to anti-Palestinian and anti-Muslim hatred during the war in Gaza. Affirms that no one in the United States should face violence or intimidation because of their religion, ethnicity, heritage, or expressions of identity. The measure is a formal statement recognizing the incident and the broader pattern of threats; it does not create new programs or funding.
Introduced December 4, 2025 by Peter Welch · Last progress December 4, 2025