A member of the Little Miami Schools’ board of education resigned following scrutiny over alleged posts on social media deemed antisemitic. District leaders confirmed to WLWT that Dan Smith submitted his resignation earlier this week after getting word about posts from his personal accounts that “raised serious concerns.”Screenshots obtained by WLWT show responses praising Hitler and another denying the Holocaust. Danielle Minson, CEO of Mayerson Jewish Community Center, condemned the actions of a public official. “We are very alarmed. It’s disturbing,” Minson said. “You don’t accidentally follow Nazi accounts. This wasn’t accidental; this was deliberate.”This controversy brings to light the distinction between free speech and the potential consequences public employees can face for online activity from private accounts. Ben LaPoe, an assistant professor teaching media law at the University of Cincinnati, said while the First Amendment offers limited protections, employees should exercise caution online. “Just remember your audience, who you are supposed to be serving and if your communication is positively impacting them,” he said.Smith shared his resignation letter, and the school district released a separate statement. WLWT made multiple attempts to reach Smith by phone, but he did not respond to requests for comment. Part of his resignation letter reads: “I want to be clear that those posts do not accurately reflect my beliefs or my respect for all members of our community. I reject antisemitism and hatred in all forms, and I take responsibility for the impact my words have had.”Minson said Smith’s “resignation was the right outcome” and looks forward to joining other advocacy groups to work with the school district to prevent future incidents.The Little Miami school board has a scheduled special meeting Friday afternoon to discuss the process of filling the vacant seat.
MAINEVILLE, Ohio —
A member of the Little Miami Schools’ board of education resigned following scrutiny over alleged posts on social media deemed antisemitic.
District leaders confirmed to WLWT that Dan Smith submitted his resignation earlier this week after getting word about posts from his personal accounts that “raised serious concerns.”
Screenshots obtained by WLWT show responses praising Hitler and another denying the Holocaust.
Danielle Minson, CEO of Mayerson Jewish Community Center, condemned the actions of a public official.
“We are very alarmed. It’s disturbing,” Minson said. “You don’t accidentally follow Nazi accounts. This wasn’t accidental; this was deliberate.”
This controversy brings to light the distinction between free speech and the potential consequences public employees can face for online activity from private accounts.
Ben LaPoe, an assistant professor teaching media law at the University of Cincinnati, said while the First Amendment offers limited protections, employees should exercise caution online.
“Just remember your audience, who you are supposed to be serving and if your communication is positively impacting them,” he said.
Smith shared his resignation letter, and the school district released a separate statement.
WLWT made multiple attempts to reach Smith by phone, but he did not respond to requests for comment.
Part of his resignation letter reads:
“I want to be clear that those posts do not accurately reflect my beliefs or my respect for all members of our community. I reject antisemitism and hatred in all forms, and I take responsibility for the impact my words have had.”
Minson said Smith’s “resignation was the right outcome” and looks forward to joining other advocacy groups to work with the school district to prevent future incidents.
The Little Miami school board has a scheduled special meeting Friday afternoon to discuss the process of filling the vacant seat.