A school official in Rhode Island is being criticized for creating a “hostile” and “paranoid” school environment after stating that using the incorrect pronoun for children is an act of violence.
Jennifer Lima, an elected member of the North Kingstown School Committee, is experiencing opposition for her advocacy of woke policies within the school system.
According to Go Local Province News, the elected school official faced an unsuccessful recall effort in 2021 after some individuals accused her of ‘openly seeking to indoctrinate children with controversial racial and gender theories as well as anti-police propaganda.’
Now, Lima is being targeted because, on November 12, she commented on Facebook that misgendering is an act of violence.
Lima added, “I acknowledge that some may find the usage of the word violence in this post to be harsh.” The World Health Organization defines violence as “the intentional use of physical force or power, whether threatened or actual, against oneself, another person, or a group or community, that results in or has a high probability of resulting in injury, death, psychological harm, maldevelopment, or deprivation.”
Any act of violence in our schools that creates a physically or emotionally hazardous environment for any member of the school community must be dealt with appropriately.
In 2020, Lima, a Democrat, was elected to the school committee. She received 677 votes, more than any other North Kingstown elected politician.
It is known that the school official posts material about race and gender on social media, including a recent post titled ‘A Guide to Trans Terminology.’
While many are quick to react on Lima’s post about gender and race, Lima’s recent choice to describe the misgendering of pupils startled more people.
One user commented on Lima’s post, “When you believe words are “violence,” you take away from what is actually violence.” Don’t be such a wuss when it comes to trivial matters in this life. On a regular basis, men and women are subjected to actual physical assault; thus, stop being so ignorant.
So… what about freedom of expression? People who disagree with your beliefs? Even if the behavior is deliberate and bullying, what is the right punishment? Why exactly this? Why not all defamation? All bullying? I’d appreciate further clarification on your viewpoints,’ remarked a second individual.
Someone else remarked, “I wonder why there is a teacher shortage.”
‘Vote her out 2024.’
One user wondered if Lima was tweeting about misgendering because of a school district incident. She then said, “No.”
Lima then informed Fox News that she was referring to psychological rather than physical abuse.
Lima stated, “I also feel that intentionally misgendering someone is an act of psychological abuse when done deliberately and persistently, and should be met with an appropriate response.”
An advocate from Rhode Island who is a senior fellow with Independent Women’s Forum stated that Lima’s tweet was damaging as opposed to beneficial.
‘If you believe you are under a threat of violence, then “react properly” means you act in self-defense, which is a physical and frequently violent action to protect yourself.’ Nicole Solas reported to Fox News.
Due to her frenzied message that danger lurks behind every pronoun, she fosters a hostile, paranoid classroom environment in which violence is now more likely to occur.
Solas also demanded that Lima quit.