Rhode Island Official Accused of Racism, Sexism During Business Trip to Philadelphia

David Patten was accused of racism and sexism during a business trip to Philadelphia. Consequently, Governor Dan McKee demanded the resignation of the Rhode Island official.

On March 10, David Patten, the Department of Administration’s state director of capital asset management and maintenance, visited to review Scout Ltd., a state contractor in Philadelphia. Following the business trip, officials from Scout wrote an email accusing the Rhode Island official of racism and sexism.

An article in Fox News states that when the Rhode Island official was offered sneakers during a visit to a shoe store, he allegedly asked if the pair were made in China. Patten then proceeded to state he hates China and directed his attention to a staff member who was Asian.

In addition, the Rhode Island official allegedly told a married doctor to swat off women when going to the bars at night. The email also revealed that Patten coerced businesses to allow him to take items for himself.

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Rhode Island Official Resigned

According to Burke, on June 15, Governor Dan McKee demanded the resignation of the Rhode Island official and on the same day, Patten announced his decision to step down, effective June 30. Nonetheless, Michael Lynch, Patten’s lawyer, claimed that his client’s behavior was due to a health issue labeled as an acute stress event.

Reports say that since three days after the business trip, the Rhode Island official had been on a paid leave. Furthermore, the state will apparently continue to pay a part of his health coverage until September 30.

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