Akron Public Schools

The Akron Board of Education voted Tuesday to place Superintendent Michael Robinson on paid administrative leave after an investigation found allegations of bullying, intimidation and retaliating against employees to be credible.

The board of ed voted to repeal two diversity, equity and inclusion policies ensuring support for students of color. The board said it faced losing $85 million in federal funding if it didn't act.

Akron Pubic Schools Superintendent Michael Robinson has been accused of misconduct, prompting an investigation that was launched in December 2024.

Akron Superintendent Michael Robinson has been accused of creating a hostile work environment for employees. Some board members are raising concerns about the independence of the investigation being conducted by an outside legal firm.

The move will still need to be approved by Akron Public Schools' Board of Education. It's the latest step the district is taking to cut expenses despite a levy passing last year and a larger wave of cuts last spring.

The defense from community members comes as the U.S. Department of Education has threatened to pull federal funding from schools if they continue to support diversity, equity and inclusion policies.

The move by the district follows a "Dear Colleague" letter from the U.S. Department of Education calling on institutions to halt DEI policies or risk losing federal funding.

Akron Public Schools says it's been two year since a joint board with the city on school construction funding met, and it's waiting on city officials to discuss using unspent funds meant to refresh all of the district's school buildings.

The policy comes as schools face the potential for Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to conduct raids at school buildings under a new directive from President Donald Trump.

The news comes as the district has launched an investigation into allegations of misconduct against Superintendent Michael Robinson.