Twenty-Four Years After the Raid in Island Pond

Twenty-four years ago, on June 22, 1984, Vermont lawmen and social workers, with the support of various state officials, including the governor, launched a raid on the 12-Tribes, a religious community in Island Pond, Vermont. Officials feared that the children were being abused. One hundred and twelve of the group's children were rounded up and bussed away.

The now late Judge Frank Mahady quickly ruled the raid unconstitutional. The children were soon returned to Island Pond and to their parents. Almost two and a half decades later, members of the 12-Tribes still call Island Pond their home. They have also have "communities" around the world.

As part of an ongoing speakers' series, Scott Wheeler of Derby, the publisher of Vermont's Northland Journal, will host members of the 12-Tribes at the Goodrich Memorial Library in Newport on Thursday, May 8, at 6:30 p.m. They will share their views of the raid and tell what life is like for them 24 years later. In addition, they will show a documentary that they have made of the raid. People with questions about this event can contact Scott Wheeler at (802) 334-5920 or by email at northlandjournal@gmail.com