Standing for Transparency, Integrity, and Respect in Our Community
Lisa Potter 
In recent days, a deeply upsetting message has been circulating, accusing me of being “anti-DEI” and labeling me as a “racist provocateur.” Not only are these claims baseless, but they also are deeply hurtful. They contradict both my personal experiences as well as the principles for which I stand in my campaign for the Board of Education.
As someone who grew up as an immigrant and personally experienced racism, being labeled this way is particularly insulting. My life has been shaped by beliefs in equality, opportunity, and hard work to achieve the American Dream. To be falsely accused of racism because of my commitment to balanced and responsible decision-making on the Board of Education is disheartening and alarming.
What makes these accusations even more troubling is that they come from adults within our community—some of whom are affiliated with political organizations—who are using these divisive tactics to push their preferred candidate for a BOE seat. While I respect political differences, such divisive tactics only harm our community.
I believe that most of us agree that politics should not interfere with our children’s education. The Board of Education is a non-partisan body, designed to represent all families, students, and educators—not to push the agenda of one political party or ideology. It is this imbalance of power and lack of representation that motivated me to run for a seat on the Board. I believe in the importance of checks and balances, and that the Board should reflect the diverse perspectives within our town.
When partisan politics take over what is meant to be an impartial body, it erodes public trust and shifts the focus away from the real issue we should be addressing: providing the best possible education for our students.
Moreover, the false narrative that Shenwei Zhao and I—the two minority candidates, both Asian—are “anti-DEI” not only perpetuates harmful stereotypes, but also undermines the important conversations we need to have about inclusion and equity. If these remarks were made by Princeton Public Schools students about their peers, they undoubtedly would violate the district’s Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB) policy. As adults, we have a responsibility to model respectful and inclusive behavior, especially for the younger generation watching us.
I encourage voters to consider the facts and reflect on who truly represents the interests of the entire community. Don’t leave the future of our town to a small group of political elites. My goal always has been to work for everyone in our community with fairness, transparency, and open dialogue top of mind.
Let’s move forward together to create a Board of Education that focuses on what truly matters: our children, their education, and the future of Princeton.
Thank you for your continued support.
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