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Public commenters press Pawtucket committee for transparency on alleged racial incident and for DEI protections
Summary
Public commenters at the Feb. 11 meeting urged the Pawtucket School Committee to be transparent about an investigation into a teacher’s alleged use of a racial slur and to adopt protections for diversity and inclusion; the committee said it would not comment on personnel during adjudication but acknowledged the concerns.
Several members of the public used the committee’s public‑comment period on Feb. 11 to push for transparency and policy action at the Pawtucket School Committee.
Harrison Tuttle, representing Black Lives Matter Rhode Island Political Action Committee, said the organization had received a community email alleging a teacher was under investigation for using the n‑word and urged the committee to keep the public informed. “We received ... a lack of transparency around a teacher who is being investigated currently, around using the n word,” Tuttle said.
The chair responded that personnel matters commonly move through adjudication and that the district does not typically comment publicly while a process is ongoing. “Due to adjudication processes, we typically don't comment on personnel matters because they may need to come ... for the school committee for a hearing,” the chair said.
Other commenters raised related governance concerns. A recurring public commenter (introduced as David Segala) urged the committee to adopt policies protecting diversity, equity and inclusion and to plan for possible federal policy changes that might affect funding for DEI programs. Another speaker who the chair called to the podium delivered an extended critique accusing some city officials of racial bias in enforcement of public‑comment rules; the chair cut that speaker’s time at the three‑minute limit.
What the committee said: school officials acknowledged the concerns and reiterated that personnel investigations restrict public comment to protect due process; the superintendent and chair said they share concerns about equity and will follow the established adjudication and reporting processes. Committee members who heard the comments asked the superintendent to keep the committee and public updated as appropriate.
