OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The superintendent of Omaha Public Schools has apologized to a parent, saying he didn’t intend to restrict the parent’s speech regarding complaints about a principal.

Superintendent Mark Evans briefly addressed the matter at the school board’s Monday meeting.

Parent Alex Gates had asked board members on Oct. 6 to create a process that lets people formally request an investigation and removal of an ineffective principal. He said parents have sought for years to replace a school principal.

Gates says Evans approached him the next day after the school board meeting, threatening him with legal action for defamation or slander. The American Civil Liberties Union of Nebraska sent a letter to Evans reminding him of the parent’s free-speech rights.