To the Editor:

I came to live in Princeton on July 1, 1999. I am from Ecuador.

In response to the letter published on May 24 signed by Shirley Satterfield, Miki Mendelson, Mary Robinson-Cohen, and Christopher Foreman Sr. [“Open Apology to the Superintendent, Princeton Board of Education Members,” Mailbox], I have a number of questions to ask.

Am I considered out of town because of my origin? Am I considered a new arrival or do my close to 24 years living in town meet the guidelines to be considered a member of Princeton community?

Is there a club that I need to sign for so I can officially belong? Who are the four people who signed the apology letter to PPS superintendent and BOE members, and established themselves as representatives of this community?

Or was there a committee that selected them? What are their qualifications?

I do not recall them reaching out to ask me if I was OK with the apology and if I accepted their signing on my behalf.

I found the apology letter offensive, and even more when it comes from people who praised themselves as champions of diversity, inclusiveness, and equity.

It is people like them with their self-righteousness that take away the actual meaning of those words. It is appalling — their letter is void of real thought and nuance, it is a veiled attack on minorities who happen to be taxpayers and parents.

Sorry to burst your bubble, but last time I checked we live in a democracy, so there is going to be disagreement on opinions. But instead of gaslighting, please practice what you preach: civility, informed debate, and honesty. Get away from the playbook of authoritarians and do not be judges, jury, and executioners of the livelihood of one of your neighbors.

Sandra Jordan Bierman
Grover Avenue