Rhode Island Sen. Elaine Morgan responds to social media post backlash

Rhode Island State Sen. Elaine Morgan is facing criticism for a now-deleted Facebook post describing a security guard at the ECHO Village Pallet shelters in Providence.

The post sparked outrage, prompting several Rhode Islanders to reach out to NBC 10 with concerns. After multiple attempts to get answers, NBC10’s I-Team spoke with Morgan, who is refusing to apologize.

In the original post, Morgan described an ECHO Village security worker as “a big, roly-poly dark-skinned man with a lanyard around his neck.”

After public backlash, Morgan changed the wording multiple times, later referring to the worker as “a large dark-skinned man.” The post was eventually deleted.

Morgan attempted to visit the site unannounced and was told she could not enter. She later claimed she was unaware the site was not open to the public.

When asked if she regretted her comments, Morgan told NBC10:

“I’m not taking it back. I said it.”

She acknowledged her description may have been “insensitive” but denied accusations of racism.

“The issue is we’re spending a hundred thousand dollars plus on these sheds, and they want to make it about racism.”

ECHO Village is operated by the nonprofit House of Hope on state-owned land. Executive Director Laura Jaworski condemned Morgan’s remarks in a statement to NBC10.

“The state senator’s remarks are both uninformed and offensive. The language used to describe one of our staff members is unacceptable, and we will not tolerate the disparagement of our residents or our dedicated team,” wrote Jaworski.

Jaworski emphasized that security measures exist to protect vulnerable individuals living in the shelters. She invited Morgan to schedule a proper visit.

Morgan’s remarks have not sat well with many Rhode Islanders.

“Definitely not in good taste and definitely not something that should be coming from a senator,” said Jessica Zerambi of North Kingstown.

“I would just expect professionalism and respect from our state reps,” added Cedric Josey of East Greenwich.

Despite the backlash, Morgan defended herself in a follow-up Facebook post, insisting she is not racist.

“Calling me racist? Very interesting considering I have for over 10 years fostered children who were Hispanic, who were Black, and who were Latino.”

She also wrote that she is “not a person who sugarcoats things” and does not regret her wording.

When asked about Morgan’s post, Gov. Dan McKee said he had not seen it but supported the presence of security at ECHO Village.

“Of course, there’s security there, not anyone can just walk in unannounced. There’s security there for many reasons, and a good reason—to protect the people who actually live there.”

Morgan says she will continue speaking her mind.

“Political correctness is overrated.”