Forgiveness needed after racial slur

Re Trustee’s racial slur called ‘disgusting,’ Feb. 3 An 82-year-old long-time school trustee in the spur of the moment utters a racial insult to the mother of a student. For all we know, it is a one-off and she promptly apologizes, accepting her guilt. A reaction ensues with authorities and stakeholders demanding her resignation, even though she explains the adverse circumstances she was in that made her say something admittedly wrong.

As the resignation demands don’t let up, we may ask: What happened to compassion? What happened to forgiveness? A society whose members have lost the capacity to forgive has a very bleak future indeed. Jaime Oksemberg, Toronto I am writing on behalf of the Eastbourne Community Association in support of our long-time friend and neighbour, Nancy Elgie. We have always known Mrs. Elgie to be a kind, helpful and fairminded person. She has served the York Region Board of Education as a trustee for 17 years, and has contributed to her community in a very positive way.

We can state unequivocally that Mrs. Elgie is not a racist.

We are reminded of the biblical passage where he or she who is without sin is asked to cast the first stone. Who among us has not occasionally voiced a word or phrase they would like to retract?

Mrs. Elgie has apologized fully, notwithstanding that she used the offending word only to describe what someone else had said. She is a dedicated public servant whose credentials are impeccable. She should be judged on her distinguished record, not on a single (unfortunate) spoken word. Piri Pandy, Keswick, Ont.