Olentangy High School Principal Robert Griffiths resigned Friday amid an investigation into allegations that he insulted a fellow employee by calling her multiple slurs.
The Olentangy Local School District announced the resignation in a press release after sending a message to parents in the district earlier in the afternoon. Griffiths was placed on leave Oct. 10 as the district investigated the claims.
According to records from Griffiths' personnel file obtained by WOSU, he was placed on leave because a female employee said he addressed her with slurs 40 to 50 different times both directly and to other people.
The complaint also alleged Griffiths mocked the district's effort in establishing a women’s leadership program and the complainant’s interest in participation, including scheduling meetings to directly conflict with her ability to participate.
The district said in a statement that professional behavior should model what the district expects of its students and it prioritized a fair and impartial investigation of Griffiths.
"The best interests of our Braves community remain our top priority, and we will continue to be diligent in taking the necessary measures to ensure a smooth transition," the statement said.
The district said it intends to hire an interim principal later this school year. Trond Smith, the director of secondary schools and former Orange High School principal is continuing as the lead administrator at the school until then.
Griffiths joined Olentangy Schools 22 years ago as a science teacher and became principal at the high school six years ago.
