NOTE: Watch the video that went viral here.

The press release states: 

Dr. Ruff, his attorney Thomas Kelly, and the District’s solicitor reviewed and discussed the confrontation that was caught on a YouTube video and substantiated by DASD surveillance video. In addition, it was noted that the DASD surveillance video did not substantiate the allegation that the demonstrators were banging on cars … Today he tendered his resignation to the School Board. 

Since this matter has become a national news story, the School District has received hundreds of communications from people in and out of the community, some supporting Dr. Ruff and some condemning his actions. Dozens of people came to School Board meetings to express their views, again, with some supporting Dr. Ruff and some condemning his actions. Hundreds of posts have been written on our social media pages and dozens of articles from news and on-line sources from across the nation have featured this situation. A national news channel interviewed the demonstrators, Connor and Lauren Haines. The district received an overwhelming amount of emails, phone calls, and letters, including one from the Alliance Defending Freedom, an organization that is representing the Haines. 

After considering this situation in total, its divisive impact on the community, the reaction from his students, and the attention this situation has garnered nationally, it is clear to us that Dr. Ruff decided that the best thing for his students, the School District, and the community was to resign from employment effective at the close of business on Thursday, May 11, 2017. In reviewing the video, Dr. Ruff knew that the conduct he displayed was not representative of who he is and was not representative of the kind of educational leader he prided himself on being. Dr. Ruff has acknowledged that the demonstrators had a right to be on a public sidewalk. He acknowledged that his conduct cannot be defended or condoned and he deeply regretted his actions as displayed on the video. themselves, as those US rights are established in law. The Downingtown Area School District has policies that comply with all legal requirements, including compliance with the First Amendment. The two demonstrators had a right to be on a public sidewalk and a legal right to speak there as well. 

This school district will not interfere with the law. The Downingtown Area School District has policies that comply with all legal requirements, including compliance with the First Amendment. The two demonstrators had a right to be on a public sidewalk and a legal right to speak there as well. 

Downington Area School District

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