Monroe Schools Clears Athletic Director, Reinstatement Sparks Parent Concerns
District cites no Title IX violations, while parent raises concerns about safety, transparency, and policy changes
MONROE, Mich. — Monroe Public Schools has reinstated its athletic director following the conclusion of an independent Title IX investigation, a decision that is drawing concern from some families in the district.
In a letter to families dated April 20, Superintendent Andrew Shaw announced that Dr. Chet Hesson would return to his role as Director of Athletics effective April 21. Shaw said the investigation found no violations.
“The independent investigator’s thorough review determined that all claims against the District were unsubstantiated,” Shaw wrote, adding that the district is “committed to continuous improvement to ensure our practices not only meet legal requirements but also strengthen the trust and safety of the families we serve.”
Shaw also noted that the district could not discuss details of the reinstatement, citing it as a personnel matter, but encouraged families to review prior communications and a frequently asked questions document regarding the investigation’s findings.
While district leadership says the investigation cleared the athletic de
partment of wrongdoing, some parents say concerns remain.
Sean Lechner, a Monroe parent, criticized the decision to reinstate Hesson, calling it “a serious breach of trust” for students and families.
“My daughter and her teammates were placed in an environment where they felt unsafe, unheard, and unprotected. That should never happen,” Lechner said.
Lechner also questioned the district’s communication throughout the process, describing it as “a slow drip of information” that left families “misled, uninformed, and without clear answers.”
He raised specific questions about district policies, including whether biological males are allowed in female locker rooms or to compete against female athletes, and why policies regarding locker room use were changed if no violation occurred.
“If there was no violation or wrongdoing, why was a policy change necessary at all?” Lechner said.
Lechner said the issue goes beyond opinion, framing it as one of “safety, fairness, and compliance with federal law,” and added that some parents and community members are hesitant to speak publicly about their concerns.
“My daughter, her classmates, and every female student-athlete deserve safety, dignity, and equality,” he said. “This is only the beginning.”
District officials maintain that the investigation found no Title IX violations and say they are focused on moving forward, including reviewing internal procedures and preparing for upcoming end-of-year school events.