SCIOTO COUNTY, OH — Scioto County Commissioners are responding to disturbing allegations tied to the ongoing controversy at the Scioto County Dog Shelter, including claims that a shelter employee used anti-Semitic language toward former Dog Warden Heather Stevens.
The allegation appears in a civil rights complaint filed by Stevens following her resignation from the shelter.
According to the complaint, Stevens alleges another employee referred to her as a “Jew” during an argument over accusations she was being dishonest.
SCDN has reviewed a response to the complaint that appears to acknowledge the comment was made, while arguing it did not amount to religious discrimination because Stevens herself is not Jewish.
⚠️ Timing Draws Extra Attention
The controversy comes as the U.S. Department of Justice has announced a new national initiative targeting anti-Semitism.
The DOJ recently unveiled a Federal Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism, including a 15-city “Awareness & Action Tour” focused on:
- Increasing reporting of anti-Semitic incidents
- Improving coordination between law enforcement and Jewish communities
- Addressing discrimination and harassment
- Strengthening interfaith opposition to anti-Semitism
The effort follows executive orders from President Donald Trump aimed at combating anti-Semitism nationwide.
🗣️ “That Is Not Behavior We Uphold Here”
When asked directly where commissioners stand on the alleged comments — and whether that type of language should ever be tolerated in county government — Commissioner Scottie Powell said legal restrictions prevented officials from discussing the specific case in detail.
“At this point it is an ongoing item that we’re dealing with legal counsel on, so I’m not going to comment too much on this specific issue.”
But Powell made it clear he personally condemns discriminatory language of any kind.
“In terms of our comfort level with people using derogatory language, I’ll speak for myself. It is never okay to use language that discriminates against race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, or sexual orientation.”
Powell continued:
“That is not behavior that we uphold here. That is not behavior we believe in. Those are items we take seriously and address accordingly.”
He added that the county remains engaged with legal counsel as the matter continues through the review process.
🐕 Another Layer in an Already Chaotic Situation
The allegation adds yet another layer to the ongoing turmoil surrounding the Scioto County Dog Shelter, which has recently faced scrutiny over:
- Mold and maintenance complaints
- Rodent allegations
- Staffing shortages
- Shelter overcrowding
- Employee conflict allegations
- And the resignation of Stevens herself
While commissioners have publicly stated repairs and operational changes are underway, the latest allegations move the controversy beyond shelter conditions and into questions about workplace conduct and culture.
❗ Bigger Questions Remain
At the center of the controversy is a difficult question many employers now face:
Even if a slur or stereotype isn’t directed at someone because of their actual religion or ethnicity…
Should that language ever be acceptable in the workplace at all?
For now, commissioners say the issue remains under legal review.
But publicly, at least, Powell’s answer was clear:
No.