![A poster secured to a utility box on South Main Street calls for Akron Public Schools Superintendent Michael Robinson to be expelled on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, in Akron, Ohio. [Phil Masturzo/ Beacon Journal]](https://www.beaconjournal.com/gcdn/authoring/authoring-images/2025/01/01/NABJ/77381791007-bully.jpg?width=300&height=428&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
The turmoil amid the Akron School Board and its superintendent has spilled onto the streets of Akron.
Posters calling for the ouster of Superintendent Michael Robinson have popped up in Akron, including one near downtown on South Main Street.
It is not known who is behind the posters that say “Expel School Bully” and feature a photo of Robinson along with a QR code that links to a December Beacon Journal article that details allegations that the superintendent mistreated some members of his staff.
The school district sent out a press release on New Year’s Day condemning the “derogatory” posters.
“These posters, displaying the superintendent along with a copy of the district logo, are not only offensive and unproductive, but they do not reflect the values of our city or district, and may also constitute a defacement of public property,” APS spokesperson Stacey Hodoh wrote in the release. “We trust the Akron Police Department will investigate and determine who the perpetrators are and hold them accountable.”
Akron Police Capt. Mike Miller said Thursday that the police department just learned about the district’s press release and related concerns.
“We have already communicated with APS and discussed the next steps,” Miller said. “With incidents like these, we have to evaluate what crimes occurred and weigh the circumstances against the free speech/First Amendment considerations that may apply. We will continue monitoring the situation and taking appropriate action if needed.”
In her statement, Hodoh said the “divisive posters” may be upsetting to students, teachers, administrators and staff.
“We urge the community to report any sightings of these posters to the appropriate authorities,” she said. “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.”
Michael Robinson tells his side:Akron superintendent denies calling 2 reporters ‘hos’
Robinson’s brief tenure as Akron’s superintendent has come under fire amid allegations that he has been abusive toward some staff members, called female reporters covering the district a derogatory name and has reassigned employee who was out on medical leave.
Questions have also arisen over his use of a feature of Gmail called “confidential mode” to send emails to district staff that expire in as little as a day or week after they are sent to avoid potential public scrutiny.
The school board in late December hired an outside firm to investigate the superintendent and other administrators.