Statement from Governor Chafee Regarding Occupy Providence

Under state policy, overnight camping is not permitted on the State House lawn and, as signs posted on the State House grounds indicate, tents may not be erected without the proper permitting, which must be obtained well in advance. Events taking place on the State House lawn also must conclude prior to midnight, unless prior written approval is granted. The Occupy Providence protestors have previously been notified of these facts in both written and verbal form.

However, through good-faith negotiations and productive discussions, representatives of Occupy Providence have agreed to a prompt, peaceful, and orderly departure from the State House grounds. In exchange, the Governor has agreed to temporarily waive some of these policies.