AUSTIN, TX (April 7, 2025) — Parents, students, and community members of the Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders have launched a petition advocating for the immediate reinstatement of Principal Nicole Griffith following her sudden resignation and subsequent rescindment last week.

The petition has garnered significant support and urges Austin Independent School District (AISD) to reinstate Principal Griffith, highlighting her exceptional leadership and positive impact on the school community since her appointment.

“From Day One of her appointment at Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders, Nicole Griffith has been a dedicated, compassionate, inclusive leader who has fostered true community and pathways to success for ARS students, families, educators, and staff,” States the petition, “We are advocating for Principal Griffith's immediate reinstatement as the school's leader.”

The situation has drawn widespread attention after Principal Griffith, the fifth principal at the school in the past four years, abruptly resigned last week, only to rescind her resignation on April 1st. The announcement of her resignation shocked and dismayed the school community, prompting a standing-room-only meeting where parents, students, and faculty expressed overwhelming support for Principal Griffith.

Under Principal Griffith's leadership, the Ann Richards School has seen notable improvements in school culture, including support for student-led initiatives like the Asian Student Alliance and the reinstatement of cultural celebrations such as Holi and Lunar New Year.

Community members are urging all supporters to sign the petition and join advocacy efforts through the newly launched ARS Advocacy website (https://arsadvocacy.com/), which provides resources and updates on the developing situation.

"We will continue to advocate and fight for her, and for her return to the campus - and community - she loves and is so deeply committed to serving," the petition concludes.

AISD Superintendent Matias Segura has acknowledged receipt of Principal Griffith's rescindment letter and stated that the district is "assessing next steps" based on this new information.

The Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders, founded in 2007, is a college preparatory school focused on preparing young women to attend and graduate from college, commit to a healthy and well-balanced lifestyle, lead with courage and compassion, and solve problems creatively and ethically in support of the global community.

How to Support

To sign the petition and support Principal Griffith's reinstatement, community members can visit  https://arsadvocacy.com/