LIVONIA, Mich. – The firing of a long-time wrestling coach in Livonia has resulted in a lot of questions and anger in the community.
David Chiola had worked in the Livonia Public Schools district for 24 years, most notably as the wrestling coach at Franklin High School.
He was fired after allegedly making comments about a transgender student’s attendance that some felt was mean-spirited and the school board meeting Monday, Nov. 19, that discussed his dismissal descended into chaos.
Chiola claimed he was fired without due process and that a lack of an explanation from the school board only fueled rumors about his dismissal.
A letter was sent to students’ homes regarding his firing but did not explain why. Chiola said the letter questioned his character and resulted in the explosion of rumors.
The meeting escalated even further when one speaker made disturbing allegations against Chiola without evidence, leaving his daughter in tears and the community divided over how it was all handled.