ESSEX, Vt. , Oct. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Council for Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Women and Girls and its Vermont chapter, FreeHer Vermont, are proud to celebrate a major victory for justice and community. "When people come together to demand transparency, accountability, and justice, we win. And this week, Vermont won."

After years of grassroots organizing and public pressure, the Vermont Department of Corrections' plan to rezone land in Essex to build a new $90 million women's prison has been officially rejected. The Essex Planning Committee voted to deny the zoning amendment, effectively halting the proposed construction.

"This victory belongs to the people," said Andrea James , Founder and Executive Director of The National Council. "It belongs to the

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