Stow councilwoman misrepresents her college education credentials, university records show - Akron Beacon Journal
Stow City Councilwoman Christina Shaw misstated her educational credentials on the 2021 Summit County Voter Guide, which was a joint project between the Akron Beacon Journal and the League of Women Voters of Akron and Hudson.
Through public records requests, the Beacon Journal found that Shaw does not hold a Bachelor of Arts from Kent State University as she responded in the voter guide, nor has she been a student at the University of Akron School of Law, as she has claimed on social media in the last four years.
More:City of Stow 2021 Voter Guide: Who's running for City Council? View candidate profiles
On Friday morning, prior to the Beacon Journal's receipt of requested information, Shaw insisted that she had graduated from Kent State and that, while she is not studying at UA Law this semester, she has taken classes there and is planning to return after the election.
She is currently campaigning to be reelected to one of three at-large council seats.
Shaw initially stated that she would provide documented proof of her education, such as a diploma or registration, but then stated that after speaking with her attorney, "I'm not engaging with nonsense allegations."
Shaw was later informed that Kent State and The University of Akron determined her claims were without merit; she did not respond to a subsequent request for comment.
Earlier this month, the Beacon Journal and the League of Women Voters asked candidates to answer a series of questions and provide background information for the voter guide.
The Beacon published their answers, unedited, in an online guide and on BeaconJournal.com.
Shaw's response identified herself as a graduate of Kent State University with a B.A. in communications. Her website and Facebook page state that she "studied" at Kent State.
According to Kent State records, however, Shaw does not hold a degree from the university..
She attended Kent State from summer 1988 to spring 1993, but "Christina Shaw did not graduate from Kent State," the university wrote in response to the Beacon's public records request.
The University of Akron School of Law registrar also was unable to find Shaw listed in any enrollment records since 2018. The law school requires its students to have received a four-year baccalaureate degree for admission.
Questions about Shaw's educational background were raised by Stow Council President Sindi Harrison and Vice President Jeremy McIntire, who circulated news releases and supporting documentation Friday morning.
They have called for Shaw's resignation.
Harrison and McIntire are also up for reelection. Harrison is looking to hold her Ward 2 seat. McIntire and Shaw are among five candidates seeking three at-large seats.
Harrison and McIntire have both had heated discussions with Shaw on the dais.
In June, Harrison and McIntire, along with the other four members of council, publicly admonished Shaw for her social media conduct, involving a post about Harrison's minor child.
Reporter Krista S. Kano can be reached at 330-541-9416, [email protected] or on Twitter @KristaKanoABJ.
source: https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/news/local/communities/stow-sentry/2021/10/25/kent-state-university-akron-law-stow-council-christina-shaw/6138782001/
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