RWU Professor June Speakman Sworn into Rhode Island House of Representatives

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Roger Williams University Professor of Political Science June Speakman was sworn in to the Rhode Island House of Representatives by Attorney General Peter F. Neronha on Wednesday, March 13.

Speakman will represent House District 68, which includes parts of Bristol and Warren. Having been involved in politics for many years, including 14 years as a member of the Barrington Town Council, she continues to practice what she teaches her students.  

“My teaching enriches my service, and my service informs my teaching,” Speakman said. “I have found that my students benefit from the practical experience that I have in the real world of politics and policy-making. I can bring stories to class and provide real-world examples of what they’re reading in their books.”

Immediately after the swearing-in ceremony, Speakman took her seat in the House and got to work voting on three pieces of tax legislation.

Speakman said she is thrilled to work on issues that speak to her passions, while continuing to give her students an inside look into Rhode Island politics.

Speakman, a Democrat, was elected in a March 5 special election for the seat vacated by Laufton Ascencao, who was elected in November but resigned before taking the oath of office after admitting that he had forged a campaign invoice.