GOP Gov. Phil Scott of Vermont announced an initiative Thursday that will make anyone 16 years of age or older who identifies as Black, Indigenous or a person of color eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine.
The governor tweeted:
"If you or anyone in your household identifies as Black, Indigenous, or a person of color (BIPOC), including anyone with Abenaki or other First Nations heritage, all household members who are 16 years or older can sign up to get a vaccine!"
A questionnaire for the state's eligibility requirements lists its first questions in reference to BIPOC: "Do you identify as Black, Indigenous, or Person of Color (BIPOC)? This includes anyone who is non-white."
An external link from the questionnaire to a Vermont state-sponsored health website reads, "We still have much more to do to address the significant disparities in the rates of COVID-19 infection, hospitalization, and death among Vermonters who are Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) ... Right now we are working with funded community partners to understand the barriers that might limit vaccine access for BIPOC Vermonters, as these require unique public health solutions."
Chris Rufo, director of the Discovery Institute's Center on Wealth & Poverty, told Fox News on Friday that the policy follows "critical race theory."
"It follows the logic of critical race theory, which demands that society practice racial discrimination to rectify racial disparities, but is not compatible with American law. Sadly, Vermont is another example of state neo-racism that has gained in popularity in recent years. Public interest lawyers should immediately file suit against the governor."
The state-sponsored health website lists its vaccine eligibility for people age 40+ and says it will open on April 5, age 30+ April 12, and age 16+ April 19. Currently, eligibility is open to all who are age 50+, healthcare workers, long-term care residents, first responders, K-12 teachers and staff, public safety workers, and those age 16+ who have high-risk health conditions.
© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.