Columbus City Schools is "working toward the termination" of Chris Dodds, a garage assistant supervisor who posted an anti-LGBTQ message on social media ahead of the Columbus Pride Parade on Saturday.
“I hope this event turns out like the Boston Marathon a few year’s back. All f-g's should be killed or at least relocated," Dodds wrote in a message posted to the Columbus Pride Parade's Facebook page.
In an email sent to NBC Out, a spokesperson for Columbus City Schools, Jacqueline Bryant, confirmed the district is "working toward the termination of Mr. Dodds for these highly inappropriate comments."
"Columbus City Schools values and celebrates its diversity," Bryant stated. "We do not tolerate discrimination of any kind. Most importantly, over the weekend we had large contingent (upwards of 500) of teachers, staff, students, families, and allies march together during Saturday’s Pride Parade."
As of Monday, a Change.org petition highlighting Dodds' offensive comments and calling for his termination had nearly 50,000 signatures.
"This is completely unacceptable and we need to take a stand and demand that this man not be allowed to spread this hate to the children in affiliation to Our school system," the petition stated.
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WCMH-TV, the NBC affiliate in Columbus, reported that the Columbus police department had looked into Dodds' post and had informed Homeland Security.
NBC Out could not reach Dodds for comment, but WCMH-TV, which approached Dodds at his home last week, said he "refused to explain his comment" and "acted surprised anyone was interested in it."
