May 9, 2025
NYC Council Member Tiffany Caban
30-83 31st Street
Astoria, NY 11102
Sent by email to: District22@council.nyc.gov
RE: CEASE AND DESIST — False and Defamatory Statements Regarding PLACE NYC
Dear Council Member Caban,
We write as co-presidents of PLACE NYC, a volunteer organization of public school parents advocating for rigorous, high-quality education for all New York City children. It has come to our attention that you have made and disseminated false, misleading, and defamatory statements regarding our organization in your official capacity as an elected City Council Member.
Specifically, you have publicly asserted – through a video from your official Council TikTok account – that PLACE NYC is affiliated with Moms for Liberty, and that PLACE NYC and all of its members endorse book banning and hold anti-trans views. These statements are categorically false, have no factual basis, and constitute a reckless and defamatory misrepresentation of PLACE NYC’s mission, values, and membership.
PLACE NYC is not affiliated with Moms for Liberty and has never endorsed book banning or anti-trans positions. To falsely equate our entire organization – and its members who are currently running for Community Education Council seats – with such affiliations and ideologies is both defamatory and harmful. Using one’s official title and resources to disseminate defamatory misinformation about a private organization – particularly in the context of an election – violates NYC Charter § 2604(b)(2) which prohibits the use of one’s office for political or personal purposes.
These public misstatements have caused reputational harm, increased hostility among parents, and interfered with a lawful and democratic process. Furthermore, your use of official government channels to promote false and misleading content raises serious ethical concerns and may constitute a misuse of your public office.
Accordingly, we demand that you immediately:
- Cease and desist from making or publishing any further false or misleading statements about PLACE NYC;
2. Publicly retract your prior statements that falsely link PLACE NYC to Moms for Liberty or any other group with whom we are not affiliated; and
3. Clarify publicly that PLACE NYC does not endorse book banning or anti-trans positions and has never done so.
If you fail to comply with this demand within seven (7) days of receipt of this letter, we will explore all appropriate legal remedies, including but not limited to pursuing claims for defamation and abuse of authority under New York law.
We remain committed to civil discourse and transparent advocacy. However, we will not allow misrepresentation and defamation to silence our voices or undermine our mission. We strongly urge you to correct the record immediately.
Sincerely,
Yiatin Chu and Lisa Marks
On behalf of PLACE NYC
Cc:
Speaker Adrienne Adams
SpeakerAdams@council.nyc.gov
Councilmember Sandra Ung, Chair of the Committee on Standards and Ethics
district20@council.nyc.gov