VIDEO: Providence Councilwoman Kerwin Calls Providence College Racist

VIDEO: Providence Councilwoman Kerwin Calls Providence College Racist

Ongoing tensions in the area around Providence College, where young adults have held outside gatherings in violation of existing orders issued by Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo, sparked Smith Hill City Councilwoman Kat Kerwin to call Providence College racist. 

Video shared by Kewin shows 100 or more student-aged individuals gathering. The video shared by Kerwin was posted by Romen Rox.  SEE VIDEO BELOW

On Saturday, Kerwin took to Twitter to post, “LMAO at the white college kids in my DMs.”

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Kerwin then posted an exchange with one individual, “Zoe PK,” in which Kerwin wrote, “Your college is racist and so are you — bye girlfriend.”

“Tell me how my college is racist. Tell me how I’m racist,” Zoe PK wrote back.

“Bye I’m busy doing a job,” Kerwin responded.

Kerwin Releases Statement

On Sunday morning, Kerwin issued a statement that said in part, "A few days ago, a white student reportedly told a community member to “fall down the stairs” when she voiced her concern about student partying in her neighborhood. This news is especially troubling during a week when we have learned that two innocent, Black Americans lost their lives at the hands of white violence and multiple white police officers issued force when addressing Black and Brown Americans who were not wearing masks in public."

"The Providence College community must learn to be more sensitive about their positionally in the community which they continue to gentrify and benefit from. I am disgusted by this behavior and I look forward to an apology from these students and a conversation with the College about how they will remedy this hurt that they have caused Smith Hill and my neighborhood," said Kerwin.

On Wednesday, GoLocal first reported that a Rhode Island woman posted pictures of students partying in close proximity to Providence College in apparent violation of state social distancing and mask orders.

One student then messaged her personally and told her to "go fall down a flight of stairs."

Briel Delmonaco told GoLocalProv she was driving through the neighborhood when she saw the group congregating on Eaton Avenue -- and said she was disturbed. 

“I was not trying to shame anyone, [but I was] totally disheartened with everything all of us are going through, this was so disrespectful and unsafe,” said Delmonaco.  "I mean, they could have gone and partied in the backyard if they wanted to."

Delmonaco said that after posting the pics, she “began getting friend requests” from students at PC — as well as threats.

"I’m in the event industry. I don't need the threats. We’ve been absolutely devastated. We’re not getting aid or funding and we’ll be out way longer than most," said Delmonaco. "I have not said one bad thing until now. But this was too much."

Providence College declined to comment on Kerwin's claim.

Story updated on 5/17/20 at 4:03 PM