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Tiverton public forum splits over transgender student guidance as advocates urge inclusion
Summary
At Tiverton’s school committee open forum, opponents called for changes to district transgender policy while advocates urged adherence to state guidance and protections for LGBTQ students. Speakers traded sharp rhetoric and personal testimony; the committee took no formal policy action.
Dozens of residents addressed the Tiverton School Committee during the open forum on concerns about transgender student guidance and related book‑ban rhetoric. Opponents urged the committee to amend or eliminate the district’s transgender policy and cited parental standing to challenge recent federal Title IX revisions; supporters and school community members urged the committee to maintain inclusive protections.
Susan Raza, who introduced herself as a Newport resident and representative of the Woman Project, criticized what she called fear‑based rhetoric aimed at LGBTQ students: “BS is easy to spot,” she told the committee, urging members to reject messages that demonize the different. Robert Caradio of Westerly objected to the district’s current transgender guidance and said legal counsel is reviewing the policy; he urged the committee to “get this on your next agenda.”
John Clark, who asked to be called “Jojo” and identified as trans, told the panel that the guidance and state recommendations protect students and should be followed. “My transition has resulted in a much richer life mentally, creatively, and socially,” he said, adding that the state’s vetted research and guidelines provide the appropriate framework for protecting students.
Other speakers made the case that policies and curriculum that affirm LGBTQ identities reduce bullying and improve student well‑being. Gloria Christ, who said she lives in Tiverton, cited mental‑health risks and said inclusive policies support educational outcomes. Aubrey Planetz and Shannon McNamara described personal reasons for supporting inclusive practices and warned about the role of social media and misinformation in stoking outrage.
Committee members heard the range of views and affirmed the district’s stated commitment to safety and inclusion. The committee did not take any immediate policy votes on the topic at the meeting; several members asked that policy be discussed further in upcoming sessions and noted the need to follow state and federal requirements when considering changes.
