Let’s have civil discourse, not harassment
Are we building a culture of collaboration and respect or letting outrage and grudges drive us apart?
As the current second term co-president of the Acton Middle School PTG and a longtime volunteer in our schools, I’ve worked closely with Dr. Hunter and the School Committee on a range of issues from supporting families and staff, to shaping policies around safe and healthy technology use, including the new cellphone policy and the Growing Up Well series. I’ve seen firsthand how the district operates and how our superintendent cares for staff and students, often while navigating conflicting needs.
We don’t always agree, but we approach our work with respect and a shared commitment to doing what’s best for our kids.
I write today out of deep concern for our schools and community. Acton has long valued thoughtful civic discourse, but recently, the tone of public conversations has become more divisive and personal. A small but vocal group, many without children in the schools, has dominated meetings and public spaces with personal attacks, misinformation, and symbolic gestures targeting our superintendent. That’s not discourse. It’s not protest. It’s harassment, and it has no place in our town.
Disagreement is natural, and healthy debate is essential in a democracy. But when it turns to vilification and hostility, no one wins, least of all our children. We should be modeling respectful dialogue and compromise — and, at the very least, telling the truth. This is not happening. And honestly, it’s embarrassing.
This is about more than school leadership. It’s about who we are and what we stand for as a town. Are we building a culture of collaboration and respect or letting outrage and grudges drive us apart?
I offer my strong support for Dr. Hunter and the School Committee, not because they are perfect, but because they are adapting and listening and working hard every day for our children, despite the hostility.
Adrienne Principe
Nashoba Road
