COLUMN
Providence Superintendent Harrison Peters doesnât want to resign. But heâs got a lot of explaining to do
A high-level administrator he vouched for and hired is facing charges of assault. What does that say about Petersâ judgement?
By Dan McGowan Globe Staff,Updated May 13, 2021, 1 hour ago
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Itâs hard to shed a tear for Providence Superintendent Harrison Peters right now.
Not after a top school district administrator that Peters brought with him to Providence from his last job in Florida was charged with assault for allegedly forcibly massaging a teenage boyâs foot in a Warwick gym in April.
Providence Schools Superintendent Harrison Peters.
The Rhode Island Department of Education says that Commissioner Angélica Infante Green was “not aware” of now-former Providence schools official Olayinka Alege’s controversial past in Florida prior to his hiring in Rhode Island.
Alege who was arrested this week for “forcibly rubbing a stranger’s foot” and subsequently resigned was known in Florida for “toe-popping” students as a form of punishment.
Peters had faced serious criticism for his handling of a separate sex incident in Florida, as GoLocal reported.
Alege s Behavior
“Five boys told deputies that King High assistant principal Olayinka Alege asked them on numerous occasions to take off a shoe and sock behind closed doors, and allow him to pop their toes. They said it didn t hurt, but they didn t like it, either,” reported the Florida Sun-Sentinel in July 2009.
Goodwin said the bill, which she had championed year after year before her own diagnosis, is aimed at removing financial barriers to early screening. The cost can be significant. Even with insurance, the cost of a coloscopy can be hundreds, or even more than $1,000. No one should delay or forgo this procedure because of the cost. And now thanks to this law, no one will have to, Goodwin said.
Along with signing the new law, the governor said he had ordered the State House dome lit up Thursday night in blue, the color associated with colon cancer awareness. There is no question, McKee said, expanding access to colorectal cancer screenings will save lives. This bill will save lives.
Rep. Michelle E. McGaw (D-Dist. 71, Portsmouth, Tiverton, Little Compton) has introduced legislation (
2021-H 6274) that would extend the period of time that a newly purchased motor vehicle may be temporarily operated from 20 to 30 days, using the purchaser’s current license plates. Cars bought in the private market, which are currently given only two business days to transfer the plate, would have 30 days for the transfer under the legislation.
R.I. Legislative Black and Latino Caucus unveils legislative priorities
The Rhode Island Legislative Black and Latino Caucus unveiled its 2021 legislative priority list at a press conference held at the State House. The caucus is chaired by Rep. Karen Alzate (D-Dist. 60, Pawtucket). The Rhode Island Legislative Black and Latino Caucus represents and advocates for the interests of disadvantaged people throughout the State of Rhode Island. It seeks to increase a diverse participation and representation in all levels of government.
Governor Dan McKee, joined by House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi, Senate President Dominick J. Ruggerio, Senate Majority Whip Maryellen Goodwin and House Deputy Majority Whip Mia A. Ackerman, today signed into law the Maryellen Goodwin Colorectal Cancer Screening Act (S-383A, H-5432A) which provides full insurance coverage for colorectal cancer screenings. The bill-signing took place at Miriam Hospital where Majority Whip Goodwin is currently undergoing treatment for colon cancer.
“Expanding access to colorectal cancer screenings will save lives,” said Governor McKee. “I am proud to sign this bill into law, removing barriers many Rhode Islanders face in accessing crucial screenings. I thank Senate Majority Whip Goodwin, House Deputy Majority Whip Ackerman and all the inspiring advocates who championed this effort and worked tirelessly to ensure this bill becomes law.”