APOLOGY: Statement from Theresa Anderson after Social Media Post
- Donovan Bridgeforth
- Feb 20
- 2 min read
JACKSONVILLE, Texas (TXAN 24) — We spoke directly with Anderson regarding her social media post and she is now issuing a public statement via TXAN 24 News:
Statement from Theresa Anderson
“I would like to say thank you to TXAN 24 News for offering me this opportunity to apologize. I truly am sorry for the statement I made.
I would never wish anything bad on a child—ever. I believe every child deserves an education and did not mean to imply that anyone does not deserve all the opportunities the world has to offer them.
My frustration came from the fact that I feel as if my grandchildren were not treated as equals at the school. In hindsight, I should have gone to the school directly to address my concerns.
However, I in no way, shape, or form should have brought any children into the conversation.
I know my apology may not mean much to the families that my comment hurt, but all I can say is I really and truly am sorry.”
— Theresa Anderson
Editorial Commentary: Words Have Power, But So Does Forgiveness
The recent controversy surrounding remarks made about Fred Douglass Elementary has sparked an important conversation in Jacksonville.
Words, especially those shared on social media, have lasting effects.
They can cause harm, fuel division, and deepen wounds within a community.
The comment made by Theresa Anderson about ICE and the school’s bilingual program was hurtful, and it rightfully drew strong reactions.
However, what defines a community is not just how we respond to controversy but how we choose to move forward.
Anderson has publicly apologized, taking full responsibility for her words and acknowledging the harm they caused.
While an apology cannot erase the impact of her statement, it is a step toward healing.
As a community, we must hold each other accountable, but we must also leave space for redemption.
True progress comes not just from calling out mistakes but from allowing people to learn from them. If we are to move forward, we must embrace forgiveness, even when it is difficult.
Jacksonville is a diverse town with a complex history, one that Fred Douglass himself would have wanted to see marked by unity rather than division.
While we recognize the power of words, we also recognize the power of understanding. Let this moment be a lesson in both.
By choosing to forgive, we do not excuse harmful rhetoric, but we ensure that our community grows stronger together.
Unfortunately if this was true apology with actual remorse sure forgiveness could be possible. Let's break it down
1. The initial issue was a comment directed to CHILDREN hoping ICE would quickly hit that school and take them away. Any person who could so coldly and boldly say that has little to no empathy.
They made this whole apology about how THEY felt. They werethe victim, they felt like they were being singled out, they felt their grandchildren were not being treated as equals.
When you apologize you don't justify or try to make excuses for your behavior. You take responsibility and actually at one for that behavior. This is someone who felt the consequences of their actions because they…