The DOE’s Hysteria Over Principal’s Privilege Truths
It is outrageous that Assistant Principal Deborah Morse-Cunningham is being “investigated” for her comments on public assistance asking: “What is privilege?” (“Principal’s ‘privilege’ problem,” June 22).
She spoke the truth. The truth hurts, but it is not racist. There was nothing in her post indicating she was directing her comments to the black community.
Since when are the taxpayers who fund public-assistance programs not allowed to air their views without being investigated?
She ought to be applauded for speaking the truth, not vilified. The truth has certainly touched a few raw nerves, only because it is the truth. Susan Green
Manhattan
The backlash against Morse-Cunningham for her exploration of “privilege” would almost seem to prove her point.
Why is it assumed that her remarks amount to a “racist rant,” as is being alleged by some parents and Department of Education officials? The points she makes could probably apply to the whole student population to some extent. Is this a case of “if the shoe fits, wear it”?
Of course, it has to be acknowledged that the students themselves are not responsible for their parents’ irresponsible financial decisions.
Darcy Russell Ellicott City, Md.
The Post reported that the DOE is “probing” a Staten Island assistant principal who posted an alleged “racially charged screed” to her personal Facebook page.
This post dared to suggest that the term “privilege” — much bandied
THE ISSUE: A high-school assistant principal being investigated by the DOE for a Facebook post on privilege.
about these days — might also apply to those who do not pay their own way or take responsibility for their life decisions.
Apparently, the very idea is so heretical that the DOE needs to investigate the possible danger she poses to children’s learning environment and values.
The current insistence on adherence to groupthink and the punishment and silencing of anyone who dares to question it are dangerous to any thinking person and our cherished freedom. Lucille Bjorneby
Malverne
Finally — the assistant principal in Staten Island hit the nail right on the head.
I just think it’s absurd that a well-educated woman posted a completely true statement to her Facebook page and parents are petitioning to remove her from her job for nothing more than stating actual facts.
Her post absolutely does not describe everyone who requires assistance, but it sure does outline the fact that there are numerous abusers of a system that is intended to help millions of needy families.
You cannot condemn
someone for simply laying out the facts, even if it doesn’t fit your opinion. I see no racist rant here. James Willis
Danbury, Conn.
Principal Morse-Cunningham shouldn’t be punished for speaking the truth.
And how is what she said in any way a racist comment? Those who consider it a racist rant are the ones who are actually being racist if they are assuming she was referring to a specific ethnic group.
Just because you don’t agree with what someone is saying doesn’t mean their comments are racist. Especially if they are truthful. She has every right to speak up about privileges that so many of us don’t have. Robert Leavy Middle Village
Nowhere did MorseCunningham name any particular race, creed or sexual orientation.
If you were offended — the truth hurts. I commend this brave person for exposing the flip side of “privilege.” Rosemary Swantek Copiague
Bravo to Morse-Cunningham. She hit the nail right on the head.
Public assistance was established to help families and people who fell on hard times to survive until the time came when they were able to get back to being productive again and survive on their own.
It was not established to create unproductive people. Unfortunately, that is exactly what this system has created. Jacqueline Pizzimenti
New Windsor