Ending Gender Discrimination in Public Information Access
I have faced unjustified obstacles and outright hostility for four years while attempting to access public information from Nashua under New Hampshire’s 91-A Right to Know law. What I’ve experienced goes beyond bureaucratic inefficiency to include gender-based discrimination. Nashua’s leadership treats women differently—and worse than men.
The Disparity: Men Versus Women
I observed that Mayor Donchess, a licensed attorney, treats men respectfully in public forums, engaging their concerns and questions. In stark contrast, my requests—and those of other women—are often met with dismissiveness, personal attacks, and deliberate obfuscation. I’ve repeatedly asked, “What is the mayor hiding from me?”
Does he treat women equally? From his body language to his tone, Mayor Donchess has clarified to me that women’s opinions and requests are not taken seriously. This isn’t just my experience—I’ve seen a former Alderwoman face the same marginalization, bullying, and harassment when they challenged the mayor.
Recent Examples of Gender Bias
At the September 24, 2024, Board of Aldermen meeting, a male voter voiced frustration over a lack of transparency in the city’s financial dealings, particularly after his repeated attempts to obtain information. He asked, “I’m a resident looking for transparency—where are we investing our funds?” After a frustrating back-and-forth with the city, he still hadn’t received the requested records.
Mayor Donchess responded to this man with detailed answers, promising to “look into” the issue. The mayor’s respectful tone and willingness to engage were clear. This was a stark contrast to how he treated my similar concerns.
When I questioned the missing $400,000 in rental payments between the city and NPAC Corp, the mayor brushed me off, offering vague, inaccurate responses that did nothing to clarify the situation. Despite my legitimate questions, I was met with dismissal rather than respect.
A Pattern of Disrespect
There is a clear pattern: men’s concerns are met with engagement, while women are dismissed, belittled, or blocked from accessing information. I have multiple examples to back this up.
At the October 8, 2024, Board of Aldermen meeting, two men (Teeboom and Scalera) who had faced similar difficulties obtaining public information or understanding a process were granted personal meetings with key officials, including the Right-to-Know Administrator and Mayor Donchess. They received multiple opportunities to discuss their concerns directly. One male had even sued the City four times.
In contrast, when I questioned NPAC Corp’s financial dealings in a public meeting—specifically about the $400,000 the city was supposed to recover, the mayor dismissed my concerns, saying, “No one should accept that as accurate.” However, the city has since confirmed that the money was not returned. This is not just a mistake; it’s an attempt to discredit me publicly without basis.
The Weaponization of Sexist Stereotypes
The mayor and his allies have resorted to accusing me of “screaming” at employees and in public meetings and spreading “inaccurate” information, “riddled with errors”—accusations that are false and disproven by public meeting videos. These videos show that my tone has been measured and controlled. This disparity between a sexist accusation and disconfirming evidence demonstrates the fallacy in the mayor’s classic sexist tactic: label a woman as hysterical or emotional to undermine her credibility.
I am not the “screaming woman” the mayor and his supporters want to portray. I received the 2023 First Amendment award for my persistence in pursuing information on behalf of the public. This award reflects my commitment to free speech and transparency, not an irrational or out-of-control demeanor. Such baseless accusations are not only sexist but designed to silence me and others who dare to ask questions.
Time for Accountability and Reform
Equal access to public information is a right—not a privilege reserved for men. Nashua can and must do better. The ongoing stonewalling, denials, and discriminatory practices point to deeper problems within the city’s leadership. Allowing one political party to dominate without checks and balances fosters a culture of secrecy, discrimination, and impunity.
The mayor’s and his team’s actions suggest they are more interested in controlling the narrative than serving the public. Women are targeted and marginalized when they raise legitimate concerns, and sexist tactics are used to silence them.
A Four-Point Plan for Gender Equality
Nashua needs meaningful reform to ensure transparency and equal treatment for all citizens. I propose the following four-point plan:
- Amend New Hampshire’s 91-A Right to Know Law
The law should be amended to explicitly prohibit discrimination in responding to public information requests, ensuring gender equality in access to information. - Penalties for Discrimination
Officials guilty of gender-based obstruction or bias should face penalties, including fines or removal from office. - Independent Oversight Committee
A bipartisan oversight committee should review cases where public information requests are delayed or denied, ensuring that gender bias plays no role in decision-making. - Mandatory Gender Equality Training
Public officials, including the mayor, should undergo training to address unconscious bias and ensure fair treatment of all citizens, regardless of gender. Without this training, the mayor and his group will likely continue to infect listeners’ and viewers’ minds and emotions (emotional contagion) with alarmist false claims and hyperbole that is destructive to the public by any reasonable social standard.
A Call for Change
The Nashua community would best ensure equal access to public information is not dependent on gender. Whether overt or subtle, discrimination has no place in a just society. It’s time for Nashua to commit to fairness, transparency, and respect for all citizens. The mayor won’t do this voluntarily. The public would wisely insist on the change by expressing their rights as citizens.
