The Ohio principal of Ridgeview Middle School, Natalie James, faced backlash after attempting to prevent police officers from entering the school to investigate a bomb threat on March 17. Bodycam footage shows James arguing with officers and insisting they could not enter without the school’s security officer present. This incident is just one in a series of clashes between James and the Columbus Division of Police, with the local police union president Brian Steel citing numerous incidents of James interfering with police business and displaying bias against law enforcement. Parents, including James Diorio, expressed outrage over her behavior, with Diorio describing James as disrespectful and acting as if her opinion is the only one that counts.
Officer Keith Conner, who responded to the incident at Ridgeview, expressed frustration with James’ lack of cooperation, saying she is the most uncooperative person he has dealt with in a school setting. Despite repeated attempts to explain that law enforcement has authority over school security and does not need permission to respond to emergencies, James continued to resist the officers’ entry into the school. As a result, the officers left without making contact with the student responsible for the hoax. The incident is now under investigation by the City of Columbus Department of the Inspector General, and the Columbus City Schools Superintendent Angela Chapman is looking into the matter to clarify the district’s protocol regarding police officers conducting official business on school premises.
The Columbus Division of Police declined to comment on the incident, and Franklin County court records show that James was previously arrested for domestic violence and assault in 2022, although the charges were later dismissed. Despite criticism from the police union president and parents, James did not respond to requests for comment. Steel emphasized that James’ actions were illegal and violated state and local law, emphasizing that the school protocol could not trump the authority of law enforcement officers responding to emergencies. Columbus City Schools spokesman Mike DeFabbo stated that both Dr. Chapman and Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant reviewed the footage and will reinforce commitments and expectations with their leadership teams in response to the incident.
Steel has stressed that the police officer involved in the incident, Conner, did nothing wrong and that any action to discipline him would not be tolerated. He expressed concern that James’ behavior was creating unnecessary difficulties for law enforcement officers responding to emergencies at the school. As the matter remains under investigation, parents continue to express outrage over James’ actions and behavior towards police officers. The incident has raised questions about the relationship between school administrators and law enforcement officials, with efforts being made to clarify the roles and responsibilities of each party in ensuring the safety and security of students and staff at Ridgeview Middle School.
