The Norwin School Board on Monday voted to censure one of its directors over what the board majority deemed offensive language in a social media post aimed at other school board members.

Directors Bill Bojalad, Ray Kocak, Tim Kotch Sr., Heath Shrum, Matt Thomas and Nina Totin voted to censure Director Alex Detschelt for the language in his Jan. 24 post on his Substack page. The resolution contended Detschelt’s statements in his post were not consistent with the district’s “shared values and principles of responsible leadership.” The resolution also demanded Detschelt resign from the board, but the board has no authority to force him to resign.

Some of the language was “of a graphic sexual nature.”

Director Christina Baverso, who has been a political ally of Detschelt’s on the board, abstained from the vote. Baverso declined to specify during the vote why she was abstaining but emphasized the language Detschelt used was not what she would use and did not elaborate following the meeting.

“I have never disrespected anyone in the community,” Baverso said.

Detschelt did not attend the meeting, nor did another political ally of his, Shawna Ilagan.

Kocak said he does not agree with Detschelt’s language but said it is simple to ignore what he writes.

“It you don’t like what he says, don’t go to his places” on social media, Kocak said.

Detschelt commented on the censure with a statement by email: “Norwin has for the second time disregarded free speech issues enshrined in the Constitution and, for a district that touts diversity, has neglected to embrace diversity of thought.“

The resolution did not specify Detschelt’s targets in complaining about the board majority supporting an estimated $24.6 million stadium renovation project. And Detschelt does not name them individually in his post on Substack, the online platform where he publishes “Behind Groomer Lines.”

Detschelt, who said he will run for reelection, has maintained he has the First Amendment right to write what he wants as a private individual on his Substack.

Detschelt vowed Monday to respond by taking legal action against those who censured him.

“I’m going to have to pursue it legally. Those who understand First Amendment issues will wait to see this matter resolved in the courts,” Detschelt said.

In a related matter, Thomas, Thomas & Hafer LLP, a Pittsburgh law firm, was hired as a special legal counsel to handle a complaint that Totin had filed with the district against Detschelt, alleging sexual harassment.

Totin declined to comment on her complaint, but did vote to hire the law firm. Attorney Russell Lucas, district solicitor, declined to comment on the suit.

Three residents spoke during the meeting to criticize Detschelt for his comments, including Anna Whittaker, who presented the board with a petition containing 600 signatures in favor of the censure.

Brooke Roney said board members should be held to at least the same standards of conduct as the students, such as respecting the rights of others.

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