MONROE COUNTY, Mich. – The Monroe Public Schools athletic director, who was placed on leave following comments he made on a podcast about transgender athletes, has been reinstated.
Athletic Director Chet Hesson was placed on administrative leave in December 2025 following a Title IX investigation.
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Superintendent Andrew Shaw said on April 9 that the independent investigator’s review found the claims against the district to be unsubstantiated.
It was first reported in December that Hesson was placed on paid administrative leave amid a Title IX Investigation after he made comments on a podcast about transgender athletes.
The controversy began when an alleged transgender girl from Ann Arbor played against Monroe’s girls’ volleyball team, prompting frustration among some parents. One parent filed a Title IX complaint citing concerns over fairness and safety.
The parent who submitted the complaint said, “It’s not fair. It’s not equal, and it’s not right.”
The parent claimed his daughter had to share a court and locker room with the alleged transgender student.
“Any parent that allows that to happen or faculty, whether it be an AD from any school, they should be 100% held accountable like everyone else,” the parent said.
Amid the controversy, Hesson spoke on the Uncloseted podcast, expressing sympathy for the alleged transgender athlete, who remains unnamed.
“Not having parents and adults realize the impact that it’s having on somebody is very frustrating, disheartening, and it makes me feel really sick,” said Hesson.
Following his comments, Hesson was placed on administrative leave.
Hesson returned to his role as athletic director on April 21.
“While we are pleased to have our leadership team back at full strength, please understand that we cannot discuss the specifics of this reinstatement in great detail, as it remains a personnel matter,” said Shaw in a statement sent out to families on April 20.
Here is Shaw’s full statement below:
Dear Monroe Public Schools Families,
Following my correspondence from earlier this month regarding the conclusion of the independent Title IX investigation, I am pleased to officially welcome our Director of Athletics, Dr. Chet Hesson, back to the District. Dr. Hesson will be fully reinstated to his role effective tomorrow, Tuesday, April 21st.
We understand that the past several months have been a period of uncertainty for our Athletic Department and the broader school community. As we shared in our April 9th update, the independent investigator’s thorough review determined that all claims against the District were unsubstantiated.
For those who may have specific questions regarding the findings or the scope of the investigation, I encourage you to review the previously shared update and the accompanying Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document, which detail the District’s compliance with its Title IX obligations.
While we are pleased to have our leadership team back at full strength, please understand that we cannot discuss the specifics of this reinstatement in great detail, as it remains a personnel matter.
While this investigation has concluded, as we stated previously, the feedback we received during this process remains invaluable. As we move forward, the District remains dedicated to reviewing our internal administrative and operational procedures. We are 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.
I want to reiterate my deepest appreciation for your patience throughout this process, which allowed us to handle this sensitive matter with the integrity it required.
With the conclusion of the investigation, we are eager to focus on the many positive events and milestones that define the remainder of the school year. From spring post-season opportunities to year-end performances and graduation ceremonies, we look forward to celebrating the achievements of our students alongside all of you.
Take care,
Andrew Shaw, Superintendent