Brooklyn School Of Inquiry Principal Apologizes For Disparaging Comments About Spanish Speakers

The principal of Brooklyn School of Inquiry is under fire for disparaging comments she made about Spanish speakers to an audience of prospective students and parents this week.

The Bensonhurst middle school, which is known for its ultra-selective, city-wide gifted and talented program, held an open house on Tuesday, where Principal Donna Taylor spoke to the crowd of 5th graders about the importance of learning a second language.

Parents who attended the event told DNAinfo that Taylor told the audience, “In New York City, if you don’t speak Spanish, you’re going to clean your own house.”

Taylor’s callousness prompted several shocked parents to write angry letters to the DOE. The principal has since apologized for her comments.

“Yesterday at an open house, I made statements, the nature of which was misunderstood, and some attendees were offended,” Taylor wrote in an email. “Diversity is an issue that is near and dear to me, and I deeply regret my poor choice of words.”

DOE spokeswoman Devora Kaye sent us this statement via email: “We value the diversity of our students and we are committed to equity, access, and opportunity for all students—regardless of race, ethnicity, immigration status, neighborhood, or economic status. The principal used very poor judgment in her choice of words and she has apologized to the school community.”

No disciplinary action has been taken.