The CHARIHO Situation
As you folx know, TWP has been organizing in every town in RI, especially in school committees, advocating for the equality and safety of all students. Most of the threats have been toward trans students, and then mostly driven by malcontents, in particular Moms for Liberty (sic) and their ilk.
One of the very conservative opponents of LGBTQIA+ students, Louise Dinsmore, found herself on the Chariho School Committee as chairperson. Dinsmore, a proud member of Moms for Liberty, attempted to impair the rights of trans students in the school district and acted as an ally to the most vociferous bigots in demonizing trans students. But, the residents of Chariho showed up, time and time again, to support all the students. This month, Dinsmore abruptly resigned (as did her husband on the town council) and moved! They apparently could not bend the will of Chariho away from justice and equality, and perhaps have moved on to more malleable environs.
This is a great example of what community activism can do: creating more responsive and inclusive governing bodies, defending the will and morality from the many from the bigoted few. Give yourself a pat on the back! And thank you for all the hard work, late nights, and community conversations. This is the only way to sustain an equitable RI.
