Where do the new Providence School Board members stand on issues of trans rights, DEI, library books, and more?

RIFuture.news asked seven questions. Four members of the Providence School Board responded.

Given the national threats to transgender rights, women’s rights, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies (to name just three) from the Trump Administration in the form of Executive Orders and budget cuts - as well as the non-renewal notices given to 17 teachers by the State-controlled Providence Public Schools Department (PPSD) that appears to target non-binary teachers and labor organizers - I felt it a good time to reach out to the new members of the recently reconstituted Providence School Board to get their thoughts about some of these issues. I emailed all ten school board members - those elected by the public and selected by the Mayor.

I received four responses. I hope to get more, and I would encourage Providence residents to grill their school board members on these issues - and others I did not ask about - such as union participation and support for workers’ rights.

I received responses from Ty’Relle Stephens [elected, Region 5], Anjel Newmann [appointed, Region 2], Corey Jones [elected, Region 1], and Heidi Silverio [elected, Region 3]. I’m still awaiting responses from Melissa Hughes [appointed, Region 1], Miche’le Fontes [elected, Region 2], Jenny Mercado [appointed, Region 3], Mireya Mendoza [elected, Region 4], Night Jean Muhingabo [appointed, Region 4], and Steven Williamson [appointed, Region 5].

I will update in the event of more responses.

Note that the opinions expressed are those of the individual school board member, not the School Board.

1. To what extent should trans, non-binary and gender diverse students, teachers and staff be protected in Providence Public Schools? Do Providence Schools do enough to protect our trans, non-binary and gender diverse students?

School Board President Ty’Relle Stephens: Providence Public Schools must do more to protect trans, non-binary, and gender-diverse students, teachers, and staff. Every student deserves to feel safe, respected, and valued in our schools. When we fail to support and protect their rights, it can lead to serious consequences, including depression, anxiety, suicide, and other mental health struggles. Schools should be a place where all students feel seen and supported, and it is our responsibility to ensure that happens.

School Board Vice President Anjel Newmann: Any group that has been historically and systematically harmed must be protected from further harm, this includes trans, nonbinary and gender diverse students, teachers and staff. This includes Black, Brown, young, elderly, poor, femme, incarcerated, differently abled, multi language learners and so many others. Everyone has a right to live, learn, work and love while being exactly who they are.

If this question is asking about non-renewals or the letting go of staff - no person should be fired because of their identity. That’s illegal and wrong. To my knowledge, this has not been the case in PPSD, but I would want to know if others have a different experience.

Ultimately, we have a duty to our students first. Any adult - regardless of race, age, gender, religious affiliation, cultural background, title, etc., who is not successful in that or is a blatant hindrance to students’ academic and social-emotional progress must be held accountable. It’s the job of the board to ensure that PPSD has a humanistic system in place that reviews staff performance, gives people support to grow, and is transparent in advance when things are not working.

Boardmember Corey Jones: Trans, non-binary, and gender diverse students, teachers, and staff should have access to the same protections as anyone else in our schools. The district has not done enough. Navigating these issues is tough, and the federal administration is moving fast. We have to adapt and move just as fast in the opposite direction. If we don’t protect our community, no one will.

Boardmember Heidi Silverio: Providence Public Schools must ensure that all students, teachers, and staff, regardless of gender identity, feel safe, supported, and valued. This means strong policies against discrimination and bullying and a curriculum that affirms diverse identities. We have made some progress, but we must always continually assess whether current policies are effectively implemented and if additional resources, such as staff training, are needed.

2. To what extent do you support Rhode Island’s current laws and policies around trans, non-binary and gender diverse being included in sports?

School Board Vice President Anjel Newmann: People should be able to play for whatever teams they want, and there should be protocols to ensure that weight, strength, experience, and skill-levels are similar between contenders. Gender alone does not tell us if two people are of equivalent match. In kids’ sports, they let co-ed teams exist, and instead of fixating on gender, there are some basic checks for the metrics listed above. To me, this is a much more common sense way of grouping people. I know things change as kids’ get older, but i do think there is a way to give everyone space to play on a team that works for them.

Boardmember Corey Jones: I support laws that allow trans, non-binary, and gender diverse individuals being included in sports. I played high school sports with trans peers and had a wonderful experience. Trans and non-binary individuals are a small percentage of sports and the attacks on them playing in sports is just another way for individuals to spread anti-LGBTQ hate.

Boardmember Heidi Silverio: I believe every student deserves the opportunity to participate in sports. Rhode Island’s current policies allow transgender students to compete in accordance with their gender identity, and I support this approach. Sports are often integral to student culture and teach teamwork, discipline, and confidence. No student should be denied those benefits based on their gender identity.

3. To what extent do you support bodily autonomy, that is, an individual’s right to having sole decision-making power over their body; so long as those decisions do not infringe on another’s bodily autonomy. This includes, but is not limited to, reproductive and gender affirming medical care.

School Board President Ty’Relle Stephens: I firmly believe that each person has the right to make decisions about their own life and body. If someone is over the age of 18, financially independent, and not a minor, then they have the right to make their own choices regarding their body. If they are happy with those decisions, we should respect that and leave them alone. Everyone deserves the freedom to live their life in a way that brings them comfort and fulfillment, as long as it does not harm others.

School Board Vice President Anjel Newmann: We must trust people to make the best decisions for themselves and their health. In the case of minors, parents/families need space to make decisions with their child about medical care with the help of a trusted family physician. Schools, governments should not interfere. We do not know what’s best for other people’s children.

Boardmember Corey Jones: When I first showed interest in politics, my mother made me commit to support and fight for bodily autonomy for people who give birth. For that reason I will always fight and support reproductive rights and gender affirming medical care. People deserve to get the care they need.

Boardmember Heidi Silverio: I strongly support bodily autonomy, which is fundamental to human rights. People should have the right to make their own medical and personal decisions, including those related to reproductive health and gender-affirming care, without unnecessary governmental interference.

3. To what extent should religion be taught in public schools? Is America a Christian nation? Should it be?

School Board President Ty’Relle Stephens: As a strong Christian, who is growing in my faith as a disciple, my beliefs are important to me, and I would never want to upset or compromise my religion. I believe that faith and religious teachings belong in places of worship—such as Bible Studies, Friday Night Prayer, and Sunday morning services—where individuals can grow spiritually. However, in public schools, I support students learning about the history of various religions—including Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, and others—as part of a well-rounded history education. Understanding different faiths can help foster respect, knowledge, and inclusivity among students without promoting one religion over another.

School Board Vice President Anjel Newmann: All age-appropriate subjects should be offered in schools, should the students and families of that school find the subject matter valuable. No ideology or doctrine should be forced on students. Rather, it should be offered as a subject area that may be of interest and importance. Religion is a part of history and has shaped the world for better and for worse. There are many religions to be explored through a historical lens, and if done with fidelity, could be extremely beneficial to young people making sense of the world they have inherited. I feel the same about critical race theory, gender identity, sculpture, calculus... Offer the subjects and allow students/families/communities to opt into those classes. I think each community will be different and we should be responsive to their wants and needs.

While America was founded on Christian ideals, as a black muslim and supporter of human rights, I do not agree that Christianity or any religion should be forced on people. People have the right to choose their faith or none at all.

Boardmember Corey Jones: TO NO EXTENT AT ALL. Due to the Constitution endorsing the separation of church and state.

Boardmember Heidi Silverio: Rhode Island was founded on religious freedom and separation of church and state, and our public education system should reflect that. I believe public schools should educate students about religion in a way that is objective and academic, such as teaching world religions or discussing the role of religion in history and society. However, public schools should not endorse or promote any specific religious beliefs.

4. What is your opinion about DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) initiatives? Does Providence do enough? Does Providence do too much?

School Board President Ty’Relle Stephens: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB). As a board member, I was one of the strongest advocates for establishing the DEIB office in Providence Schools, which initially had five staff. However, due to budget cuts, that number has been reduced to just two. I do not believe DEIB is adequately supported at this time. If DEIB were strengthened the way it should be, many of the issues raised—including student protections, access to resources, and equitable opportunities—could be properly managed and addressed. Ensuring strong DEIB policies and staffing will help create a school environment where all students feel included, valued, and supported.

School Board Vice President Anjel Newmann: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion has become a co-opted buzz word that this administration uses to hang us with. The problem is that our field got way too good at talking about the work, getting funding for the work, and not rooting the work in grassroots community efforts. I’m not wasting a lot of energy being mad at Republicans, because I trust Republicans to do what they do, just like I trust Democrats to do what they do. I have no expectations for either side of the political coin. What I am putting energy into is supporting people who are proponents of DEI to understand that when the work is real and rooted, it will continue with or without the permission of government and philanthropy. Our ancestors did not wait to be told yes - they organized for the dream that, in many ways, we get to live today.

Boardmember Corey Jones: I believe DEI is essential in the success of a district that has had such a dramatic demographic change. In 2010, the district saw the biggest percentage increase in multilingual learners. We have to have staff that reflect our students, and we have to even the playing field that’s built on systemic racism.

Boardmember Heidi Silverio: When Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are under attack, it is more important than ever to create an environment where all students feel seen, supported, and empowered. As a Latina, I embody the very principles of DEI, and many in my community do as well. This is why I believe there is still work to be done—especially ensuring that multilingual learners and special education students receive the necessary resources. DEI efforts must go beyond words and result in tangible outcomes, such as equitable funding, diverse curriculum, and culturally competent teaching.

5. What are your feelings around libraries and library access? Should librarians have decision making power, as part of a process that includes professional and expert oversight, over what books will be placed in libraries? Should politicians be involved in this process?

School Board President Ty’Relle Stephens: Libraries are essential in schools and the community. Every school should have a fully functioning library because access to books and resources is fundamental to a student’s education, development, and success. Librarians, in collaboration with educational professionals, should have a leading role in curating library collections—not politicians. Community libraries also play a critical role in providing access to knowledge and opportunities, and we must continue to support them.

School Board Vice President Anjel Newmann: Any books should be in libraries. If they offend you, don’t read them. Simple. And I mean that for people on all sides of an argument or political aisle. We cannot advocate for only our deeply held opinions to be in books and not someone else’s. We need to learn and read everything. That’s how we grow our understanding.

Boardmember Corey Jones: We should create a library book budget. Librarians should control those books and politics should be out of our libraries. Book bans contribute to fascism and we have to fight back.

Boardmember Heidi Silverio: I would not be who I am today without libraries. As a child, I remember walking into the Mount Pleasant Library, in awe of the endless shelves of books, each opening a door to new ideas and possibilities. Libraries are spaces of imagination, creativity, community, and intellectual freedom—every student should have access to them. Censorship has no place in our education system; students deserve a wide range of books that reflect diverse experiences and identities.

6. The Trump administration continues to issue a series of executive orders that target many of the rights asked about above. Should Providence Schools conform to these executive orders, or should we stay within the parameters of State law, which includes protections the Trump Administration seeks to erode?

School Board President Ty’Relle Stephens: Providence Public Schools should remain aligned with Rhode Island State laws, which provide important student protections. While federal policies may change, our schools must continue prioritizing equity, inclusion, and the wellbeing of all students.

School Board Vice President Anjel Newmann: Never conform. Conformity equals death. We need to be emergent, adaptable, and smart. We need to keep searching for and speaking the truth and give others the space and grace to do the same.

Boardmember Corey Jones: I believe we need to fight back and be a part of the resistance. Whether it’s Biden or Trump, we have to stand on our values, or we’ll lose them. We have to protect our community. What the current administration has done is roll back over 40 years of protections. Not only do we need to pass state protections but we need to have emergency plans to address this current administration’s rampage.

Boardmember Heidi Silverio: Providence Public Schools should continue to uphold Rhode Island’s State laws, which protect the rights of all students, including those that may be undermined by federal executive orders. We should focus on fostering a safe and inclusive learning environment, rather than conforming to policies meant to create fear in our most vulnerable communities.

7. Do you have other ideas, insights, or things you’d like to say about these subjects?

School Board President Ty’Relle Stephens: The Road Ahead: As President of the Providence School Board, my top priority is ensuring that all Providence students learn in a safe, supportive, and equitable environment where they can thrive academically. We have significant work ahead, and Board leadership is actively reviewing the recent non-renewals regarding teachers. We will take appropriate action based on our findings.

I appreciate your outreach and commitment to these critical issues. I look forward to continuing these discussions and working toward meaningful solutions.

School Board Vice President Anjel Newmann: I really appreciate these questions. Ngl, some were hard to whittle down to a couple of sentences. These are complex topics that require complex answers. I hope my responses gave a glimpse into my thinking, and I am happy to answer more if anything is unclear or needs follow-up.

Asking great questions is a deeply valuable skill and helps to protect our democracy.

Boardmember Corey Jones: I started this work through the BLM movement. We also can not forget about our work to dismantle the school-to-prison pipeline. We have to chew gum and walk at the same time—meaning we have to be on defense and offense! It’s important that we aren’t just reactive but actively resist fascism while building the District that’s aligned with our values because oppressive police states are the greatest tool of fascism.

Boardmember Heidi Silverio: I believe education should give ALL students the tools to think critically and prepare for life beyond the classroom. I will continue to work to ensure Providence Public Schools are inclusive spaces where every student feels safe, accepted, and can thrive.