Readers Criticize Nikole Hannah-Jones' School Choice

New York Post readers have voiced sharp criticism regarding Nikole Hannah-Jones' decision to enroll her daughter in a public school described as "failing." The letters to the editor, published on September 29, 2026, focus on what they perceive as political motivations behind her choice, arguing that she is sacrificing her daughter's educational best interests.

One reader, E. Cooper of Glenmont, suggested that Hannah-Jones' justifications for the school choice are inadequate. Cooper posited that if Hannah-Jones were to discuss the failings of public schools, she would inevitably blame systemic issues like "racism" and "inadequate funding" rather than the influence of teachers' unions promoting "woke causes," which the reader claims Hannah-Jones fully supports.

Paul Hudson of Sarasota, Florida, emphasized parental responsibility in a child's education. He stated that parents are ultimately accountable, and if a school is underperforming, options such as tutoring or switching schools should be pursued. Hudson dismissed blaming schools, teachers, or administrators as "buck-passing BS" that fails to aid the child.

Richard Reif of Kew Gardens Hills characterized Hannah-Jones' stance as "Racist Derangement Syndrome." He contended that while she attributes the poor quality of education her daughter received at a Brooklyn public school to racism, she overlooks the "incompetent management" of the Department of Education as the primary cause of public schools' struggles. Reif asserted that Hannah-Jones sacrificed her daughter's education for the sake of DEI, which he redefined as "discrimination, exclusion, intimidation."

Kim Crosby of Darien, Connecticut, found it "incredulous" that Hannah-Jones seemingly cannot identify the problems at PS 307, calling her "blind" to the issues. Crosby argued that Hannah-Jones places blame on "white people in another building" rather than on Principal Stephanie Carroll or district chief Kamar Samuels. Crosby referenced Proverbs 18:2: "Fools find no pleasure in understanding, but delight in airing their own opinions."

Ray Arroyo of Westwood, New Jersey, accused Hannah-Jones of betraying her daughter's interests by "sacrificing her personal development in furtherance of collective social change." Arroyo suggested that Hannah-Jones used her child as a means to an end and implied that her historical accounts may be equally "misguided."

In a separate segment of the letters, readers also commented on incidents involving men exiting New York City manholes. Rob Johann of Woodhaven expressed concern over these "mole men," citing the dangers of sewer pathogens and the risk of spreading life-threatening diseases. He urged for these activities to be stopped for public safety.

Mike Sakara of Tamaqua, Pennsylvania, drew a parallel to South American countries where the homeless live in sewers. He suggested that if the two arrested Venezuelans had not been caught, they might have spread disease throughout the city.

Oliver Mosier of Brooklyn invoked the Paul Gauguin paintings "Where did they come from? Who are they? Where are they going?" in his reflection on the "mole men," stating a desire for answers and solutions.

![Creator Nikole Hannah-Jones attends a premiere for the television series "The 1619 Project" in Los Angeles, California, Jan. 26, 2023.]( "Creator Nikole Hannah-Jones attends a premiere for the television series "The 1619 Project" in Los Angeles, California, Jan. 26, 2023.")