Raimondo To Strike 'Providence Plantations' From State Documents

PROVIDENCE, RI — Gov. Gina Raimondo will sign an executive order Monday afternoon to remove "and Providence Plantations" from the state's name on all official state documents. The announcement comes after a renewed call to shorten the state's name due to the word "plantation" and its connotation with slavery.

"Our work to dismantle systemic racism in Rhode Island did not start today and it will not end today, but we can rise together and make meaningful progress toward racial equity now," Raimondo said. "Rhode Island was founded on the principles of acceptance and tolerance, and our state’s name — and actions — should reflect those values. The steps I am announcing today are just the beginning, and I am fully committed to continuing to work alongside the community in stamping out individual and institutional racism in our state."

The executive order is part of the governor's "RIse Together" initiative, which envisions a "more equitable and resilient Rhode Island." The move will strike "Providence Plantations" from future executive orders and citations, official websites, correspondence and paystubs.

READ MORE: Rhode Island: Smallest State With Largest Name Controversy

Raimondo teased the move during Friday's news conference, saying she would have an announcement Monday about the state's name. She previously called for voters to determine whether the state's official name should be changed in a referendum this November. Last week, the Rhode Island Senate approved a resolution that would put the issue on the ballot.

The governor is to discuss the "RIse Together" campaign further at 3 p.m. at Billy Taylor Park. It will also require mandatory implicit bias training for executive branch employees, call for more comprehensive equity training, ask the Rhode Island State Police to form a community outreach team to work with leaders and engage with residents, and call for State Police Col. James Manni to look into grants and other funding sources to put body cameras on all state troopers.

The Department of Administration is also conducting an audit of state contracting practices to make sure that minority-owned businesses have equal opportunities.