RIDE “Unaware” of Prior Reports of Superintendent's Controversial Behavior - Lawmakers Want Answers

RIDE “Unaware” of Prior Reports of Superintendent's Controversial Behavior - Lawmakers Want Answers

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. 

He came to Rhode Island from Hillsborough County Public Schools with Harrison Peters, who was hired as the new Providence Schools Superintendent in 2020.

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Peters had faced serious criticism for his handling of a separate sex incident in Florida, as GoLocal reported. 

Alege's Behavior 

GoLocal flagged Allege's behavior in August 2020 in the article “Providence Schools’ Latest Hires Have Checkered Pasts - Including Sexual Harassment Lawsuit.”

“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. 

Alege did not refute the allegations; the Sentinel reported he was told by school officials to stop. 

In June 2020, Providence Schools — which had been taken over by the State of Rhode Island — touted Alege's arrival. 

“Dr. Olayinka Alege will be named secondary network superintendent and oversee all middle and high schools. He comes to Providence from Hillsborough County Public Schools in Florida, where for the last 15 years he has served in progressively responsible positions, most recently as interim deputy director of leadership development,” touted PPSD at the time. “As a leader of some of Hillsborough’s highest need schools, Dr. Alege oversaw a significant increase in high school student attendance and marked decrease in suspensions.”

“The Commissioner was not aware prior to his hiring,” RIDE spokesperson Victor Morente said on Thursday of Alege's behavior. Peters' spokesperson did not respond.

In a joint statement, Infante-Green and Peters said the following:

“The charges against Dr. Alege are extremely concerning and disturbing. After learning the full details of the allegations--including the fact that there is video evidence supporting the authenticity of the claims--the District asked for Dr. Alege’s resignation, which has been received.

“As leaders, and as parents ourselves, we will always prioritize the safety and well-being of students. It is deeply upsetting to see anyone--particularly a high-level administrator--violate the trust we placed in him to act in accordance with the high standards we set for all District staff.”

Call for General Assembly Oversight

Now, Rhode Island General Assembly leaders are demanding answers — and requesting a hearing. 

Senate Majority Whip Maryellen Goodwin — along with Senate President Dominick Ruggerio and other State Senators representing Providence — sent the following letter on Thursday to Senator Lou DiPalma:

“We are asking you in your capacity as Chairperson of the Rules, Government Ethics & Oversight Committee to investigate how he came to Providence, who was responsible for the vetting process, what did the vetting entail, who gave final approval for hire, when was the position offered, has anyone in our school system reported or flagged inappropriate behavior prior to this incident, and anything else you deem important to this investigation,” they wrote. 

“This is an urgent matter as we are greatly concerned about the safety of our children,” the Senators added.