# Gender War Tearing Italian American Society

> Italian American women demand equality at Cranston society as men enforce bylaws.
- Title: Gender War Tearing Italian American Society · The Boston Globe
- Summary: Italian American women demand equality at Cranston society as men enforce bylaws. Italian American women at Santa Maria Di Prata Society in Cranston, R.I…
- Keywords: santa maria di prata society, cranston, italian american, women's auxiliary, bylaws, labor day feast, no trespass order, civil rights lawsuit, news, local, Gender, War
- Source: The Boston Globe — https://bostonglobe.com/2026/10/12/metro/rhode-island-italian-american-society-gender-war-cranston
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: santa maria di prata society, cranston, italian american, women's auxiliary, bylaws, labor day feast, no trespass order, civil rights lawsuit, news, local
## Door locked
Italian American women walked into Santa Maria di Prata Society lobby to find door locked.
## Gender conflict
Men and women fight over disrespect and women's demand for equality in Italian American society.
## Bylaws dispute
Men say only Roman Catholic men can be full members starting at age 17 while women have auxiliary status.
## No trespass order
Stephanie Giarrusso, Women's Auxiliary vice president, has no trespass order against her filed by society president.
## Women's demands
Women want equal treatment, equal share in fundraising, and recognition for their auxiliary work.
## Society history
Santa Maria di Prata Society founded in early 1900s for Italian immigrants to settle in Rhode Island.
## Women's role
Women cooked for Labor Day feast until last year when men hired caterer after women refused to help.
## Men's stance
Men say women's demands for equality are too extreme and bylaws will not change.
## Women's perspective
Women believe society belongs to both men and women and want basic respect as members.
## Legal action
Women plan civil rights lawsuit against society for mistreatment and lack of equality.
## Historical context
Society has 40 years of history with women contributing to events and feasts.
## Family connection
Giarrusso is descended from founder Pasquale Girardi, same as Lori Ann Carlino's grandfather.
## What happens next
Women may file civil rights lawsuit for equality and recognition as members.
## Key takeaway

Italian American women at Santa Maria Di Prata Society in Cranston, R.I. seek equal treatment and recognition after men enforce strict bylaws that exclude them from full membership.