League of Women Voters: What is Birthright Citizenship? – Online Only

Series Introduction
For nine years, the League of Women Voters of Vermont, in partnership with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library, has presented a monthly series of programs designed to inform and engage the public on issues of civic importance. This year, the series turns its attention to voting rights and access to the ballot—a cornerstone of democracy that continues to evolve amid social, legal, and political challenges. Join us each month as we explore key questions and legislation shaping the American voting landscape.

November 12:  What is Birthright Citizenship?
The series opens with a talk on birthright citizenship, one of the most fundamental yet often misunderstood elements of American democracy. What does it mean to be granted citizenship by birth? How has this principle been interpreted, challenged, and defended over time? This program will examine the historical roots of the 14th Amendment, explore current debates surrounding citizenship, and consider what proposed changes could mean for the future of civil rights in the United States.

About the Speaker:

Julio A. Thompson is an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Vermont and Co-Director of the Attorney General’s Civil Rights Unit, which enforces Vermont’s laws regarding employment discrimination, fair employment practices, and hate crimes.  In that role, Julio also represents the State of Vermont in national civil rights litigation and testifies regularly before the Vermont Legislature on issues relating to employment law and civil rights.  Julio spent his first 15 years of practice in Los Angeles— first as a judicial law clerk for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit and later as partner in a downtown L.A. law firm, where he specialized in labor, employment, and civil rights law. 

Join the virtual meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85261263951

Future Talks:

December 10: History of the Voting Rights Act
Explore the origins and impact of the Voting Rights Act, the landmark legislation that shaped access to the ballot in the United States.

January 14: Voter Suppression Methods
Examine the tactics and policies that have been used to restrict voting access and their effects on communities across the country.

February 11: Gerrymandering
Learn how the drawing of electoral district boundaries can influence political power and affect representation.

March 11: John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and the SAVE Act
Discuss recent federal proposals aimed at protecting voting rights and combating discriminatory practices at the ballot box, as well as new rules that would restrict access to voter registration.