Mel Rising Dawn Cordeiro
News Editor
In response to recent executive actions from the new presidential administration, Rhode Island College has emphasized its ongoing commitment to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students, regardless of their race, ethnicity, religion, gender, or other factors. The college’s mission remains focused on providing accessible, high-quality education and supporting the diverse needs of its community.
In an email sent out last week, President Dr. Jack Warner addressed concerns within the campus, assuring students and staff that RIC will continue to support their educational goals, even in the face of changing federal policies. He acknowledged that many within the community are feeling uncertain but urged individuals to seek support and practice self-care during this challenging time.
To address the evolving situation, Dr. Warner has established an Ad Hoc Committee on Federal Policies. This group will assess how new federal directives may impact the campus and ensure that RIC responds thoughtfully and in compliance with the law. The committee will communicate regularly with updates via a dedicated email and an upcoming webpage, which will offer timely information and resources.
The Federal Action Response Committee consists of the following members:
Kim Bright, the co-chair, Executive Director Strategic Initiatives
Clark Greene, the co-chair, Senior Advisor to the President and Chief of Staff
Alessandra Bazo Vienrich, Assistant Professor, Sociology
Jennifer Burke, Director of Student Financial Aid
Michael Cunningham, Interim Associate Dean of Students
Lehidy Frias, Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Esperanza Gutierrez, Assistant Professor, School of Nursing
Robyn Linde, Professor, Political Science
Margaret Lynch-Gadaleta, General Counsel/Assistant Vice President of Human Resources
Krista Mazzuca, Chief Human Resources Officer
Cherèva McClellan, Director of Strategic Initiatives
James Mendonca, Director of Security and Safety/Chief of Campus Police
Soumyadeep ‘Deep’ Mukherjee, Associate Professor, Health and Physical Education
Alexis Rogel, Director of Academic Operations and Policy
Christopher Starkey, Assistant Professor, Economics and Finance
Vilna Tejeda, Assistant Professor, School of Social Work
Additionally, the Rhode Island Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner has issued new guidance for faculty and staff regarding potential interactions with federal agencies, particularly in situations involving immigration enforcement. Faculty and staff are asked to notify campus police if approached by federal agents to comply with privacy regulations.
As the landscape continues to shift, RIC’s administration remains dedicated to providing verified information and steadfast support to students, reinforcing the college's values of inclusivity and empowerment. For ongoing updates, students are encouraged to check their student email and the upcoming webpage.
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