Washington (CNN) Nearly 200 black female leaders and allies outside of Congress have signed a letter calling on top congressional Democrats to defend Rep. Maxine Waters after she was criticized by members of her own party for urging people to protest President Donald Trump's Cabinet members in public spaces.

The group includes a mix of local elected officials, religious leaders, academics, activists and political consultants -- including some men -- who felt Waters was unfairly treated and want Democratic leaders in Congress to apologize.

"We write to share our profound indignation and deep disappointment over your recent failure to protect Congresswoman Waters from unwarranted attacks from the Trump Administration and others in the GOP," the letter states.

Last week, Pelosi tweeted a link to a CNN article on Waters' comments and added that "Trump's daily lack of civility has provoked responses that are predictable but unacceptable"

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