Peters School Director Censured For Racist Social Media Posts

PETERS TOWNSHIP, PA - Peters Township school directors Monday censured longtime board member William Merrell after racist comments and inflammatory remarks appeared on his personal Facebook page. Merrell apologized for the posts, which have been taken down.

Merrell, who is a board candidate in Tuesday's primary, did not respond to calls for his resignation made at Monday's school board meeting, according to multiple reports. Board president Thomas McMurray said the district has no control over personal posts directors make and the board does not have the legal authority to remove one of its members.

Merrell's posts, which target African-Americans, have been shared by hate groups. Merrell previously told WPXI-TV that his account had been hacked.

Merrell lives in the Venetia section of Peters with his wife, Monica, a Peters Township councilwoman. According to the district website, he is a former Peters councilman and a 1968 graduate of Peters Township High School.