Akron Public Schools is calling for the Akron Police Department to open a criminal investigation to identify and punish the person who put up a poster critical of Superintendent Michael Robinson.
APS spokesperson Stacey Hodoh said the poster’s use of the word “bully” to describe Robinson is derogatory and offensive, and that its public display in downtown Akron may be an illegal “defacement of public property.”
APD spokesperson Captain Michael Miller said a criminal investigation won’t happen, for now, after the department weighed potential crimes for publishing the poster against the free speech rights enshrined by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
“We also have consulted with a member of the prosecutor’s office and collectively don’t believe the flier rises to an actionable level,” Miller said. “We will continue monitoring the situation and take appropriate action if needed.
The poster features the embattled superintendent’s photograph, with the words “EXPEL SCHOOL BULLY,” the APS logo, his name and title and a now-defunct QR code linking to a recent Akron Beacon Journal article that details allegations of mistreatment by the superintendent first reported by Signal Akron.
A Signal Akron reporter spotted one poster on a pole on South Main Street, but it is unclear how many others were displayed.
In a Jan. 1 statement, Hodoh said the district “strongly condemns” the poster, urging the police to get involved and for people to report sightings of it.
“We trust the Akron Police Department will investigate and determine who the perpetrators are and hold them accountable,” Hodoh wrote. “We understand that these divisive posters may be upsetting to some students, teachers, administrators, and staff members. We urge the community to report any sightings of these posters to the appropriate authorities. We will continue to work with our partners in the community to address issues of hate and discrimination and to promote a more respectful and inclusive environment for all.”
Signal Akron asked Hodoh why the district doesn’t think the poster is protected by the First Amendment. She said the district “encourages constructive dialogue” and has created “multiple channels” for parents, students, teachers, staff and administrators to share concerns.
“However, defacing public property is not an acceptable form of expression,” Hodoh said in an email. “Actions such as posting unauthorized materials on public spaces like sidewalks, street signs, or buildings constitute vandalism and damage to property that belongs to the community. This behavior is not only unlawful but also sends a detrimental message to our students that it is acceptable to disrespect and damage public property.”
Hodoh took issue with the word “bully” to describe Robinson, a Black man.
“In this case, the term is a micro-aggression that whistles ‘Angry Black Man’ (ABM),” she said. “ABM is a stereotype that is prevalent in environments that lack inclusion, and creates cultural tension when amplified and weaponized rather than educated away. I sure regret the posters and expressions of concern were done in anonymity while defacing property. I happen to believe a very productive conversation could have been had, and I would have been honored to be a part of it.”