WPRO News

The Latino Policy Institute is leaving Roger Williams University, its home for the last decade, planning to strike out on its own.

The Institute “is transitioning to an independent research and advocacy organization on July 1,” the University said in a statement.

Roger Williams University “was a great place to incubate and grow … over a decade, and we’re excited to take what we’ve learned and start a new chapter,” the Institute announced in a tweet on Monday.

“Our collaborations with the Latino Policy Institute have been instrumental to the development of this work, and we look forward to continuing to partner with LPI in the future,” replied the university’s provost, Margaret Everett, in a reply posted to Twitter.

“RWU recognizes the transformative potential of community engagement for deepening student learning, spurring innovative teaching and scholarship, and building strong and mutually beneficial partnerships with local communities,” she added.

The Institute has been headed since 2018 by Marcela Betancur, a former advisor for the Providence Housing Authority, Central Falls School District and Economic Progress Institute. Among former Institute directors is former Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza.