Rhode Island College was observed to have removed comments from an article it posted, specifically those critical of it. The article features Josh Estrella, Communication Director for Providence Mayor Brett Smiley, and discusses what his role entails. However, instead of lending itself as an informative piece, it reads like a PR piece for Smiley himself.
Smiley isn’t known for community ties; more so, he’s better known for wealth, self-interest, and using Providence to further his political career. Community leaders, advocates, and local residents have repeatedly sounded the alarm about the mayor’s antics, which primarily stem from ignoring public input and doing what he wants. Initiatives include bulldozing homeless encampments, halting community events, removing bike lanes, promoting charters and school privatization, and more. This has led to public outcry, which has unfortunately fallen on the deaf ears of both Smiley and his PR team.
Estrella makes numerous misleading and false claims in the article. He states Smiley is “data-driven,” though Smiley consistently ignores evidence that contradicts his plans. He talks about “transparency,” despite the mayor pushing through proposals while ignoring public outcry. He even said he agrees with the notion of “putting wilted flowers in the back and the prettier ones in front,” which, ironically, sums up Smiley’s tenure so far: hiding his true intentions and motivations.
RIC’s article props up a harmful administration, delivering it in a good light, while supporting the idea that, because one of their alumni “made it,” it requires celebration. However, what of the many alumni actively organizing against the mayor through grassroots organizations and advocacy work, or those doing genuine, meaningful work in their neighborhoods and public institutions?
And let’s be honest: If Smiley were in charge of RIC, it would have already been halfway to privatization, sold off to developers, or defunded altogether. In a way, perhaps RIC is thinking ahead. By removing dissenting voices and attempting to rewrite reality, they can fly under the mayor’s radar. At that point, it’s not just silence, it’s being complicit.