Chafee criticizes Board of Governors Chairman Frank Caprio for lack of free and open discussion concerning need for combined school of nursing
June 30, 2010
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DATE: June 30, 2010
CONTACT: John R. Pagliarini
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CHAFEE CRITICIZES BOARD OF GOVERNORS CHAIRMAN FRANK CAPRIO FOR LACK OF FREE AND OPEN DISCUSSION CONCERNING NEED FOR COMBINED SCHOOL OF NURSING
Warwick - Lincoln Chafee, independent candidate for governor, today expressed his deep concern over comments made by Rhode Island Board of Governors for Higher Education Chairman Frank Caprio concerning a proposed combined nursing facility to be shared by the University of Rhode Island and Rhode Island College.
Chafee was referring in particular to Chairman Caprio's characterization of questions raised by the dean of Rhode Island College's School of Nursing as "insulting." The remark was reported in today's edition of The Providence Journal.
"Before we spend $60 million on a bond issue, vigorous debate should be encouraged, not stifled," said Chafee. "I want questions asked and research done. The state has made enough mistakes that have cost the taxpayers' money due to hasty decisions."
Chafee added, "It seems appropriate to me that you would want to consult the very academic professionals that will be using the new building and determining from them whether they think it's beneficial or not."
Chafee said that he agrees with the statement by the dean of the Rhode Island College School of Nursing, Dr. Jane Williams, that the two schools serve distinctive populations. Chafee said he believes we should be vigilant about protecting the current opportunities for first generation students to advance in the nursing field. "I feel that that it is a legitimate concern that should be addressed," said Chafee. He also mentioned that a greater number of Rhode Island College students come from within the state and a large number of those from minority communities.
"Lastly, I think it's important to remember that in state tuition for the University of Rhode Island is approximately $7,000 higher than for Rhode Island College," said Chafee. "There is no question that Rhode Island College is working hard to provide an accessible and affordable quality education, and that is certainly reflected in its outstanding nursing program."
Chafee said that he agrees with the statement by the dean of the Rhode Island College School of Nursing, Dr. Jane Williams, that the two schools serve distinctive populations. Chafee said he believes we should be vigilant about protecting the current opportunities for first generation students to advance in the nursing field. "I feel that that it is a legitimate concern that should be addressed," said Chafee. He also mentioned that a greater number of Rhode Island College students come from within the state and a large number of those from minority communities.
"Lastly, I think it's important to remember that in state tuition for
the University of Rhode Island is approximately $7,000 higher than for
Rhode Island College," said Chafee. "There is no question that Rhode
Island College is working hard to provide an accessible and affordable
quality education, and that is certainly reflected in its outstanding
nursing program."
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Linc Chafee is a tested leader of unquestioned integrity and a strong independent voice. As Governor, he will work hard to create new jobs, rebuild our economy, solve our chronic budget problems, end corruption, and forge a new way forward for Rhode Island.
United Food and Commercial Workers Local 328
United Nurses & Allied Professionals (UNAP)
Service Employees International Union (SEIU) State Committee
