A high school principal in Ohio was placed on paid administrative leave Thursday over a staff newsletter she wrote lamenting President-elect Donald Trump’s election win.
Monica Asher, the principal of Olentangy Orange High School, made clear her dislike of Trump in a message to staff obtained by Crisis in the Classroom (CITC). She started by saying she could not ignore the political context, adding that many were “struggling,” according to the screenshot.
“I can’t write a message that pretends like the election didn’t happen; especially when so many of you are struggling with how to move forward,” Asher wrote. “I know you are struggling with how to move forward with your students who are afraid, but also how to move forward with colleagues that don’t share your views.”
Asher continued, writing that Olentangy Orange employees must band together and “move like buffalo through a storm” to deal with the election results.
“There is a lot that I don’t know, but here is what I do know…I know we have a building full of people who love kids and who want to make a difference,” Asher wrote in the newsletter obtained by CITC. “I ask you to join me and move like buffalo through a storm.”
🚨SCOOP: Monica Asher, the principal of Olentangy Orange High School in Ohio, grieved President-elect Trump’s victory in a staff newsletter this week. Asher told employees that even though they are “struggling,” they can “move towards the light.” pic.twitter.com/DIdMg9DAlg
— Crisis in the Classroom (@CITClassroom) November 13, 2024
The Olentangy Local School District said it addressed Asher’s newsletter internally in a statement to CITC on the incident.
A spokesperson emphasized the Olentangy Board of Education’s staff ethics policy, which says the board “expects all professional staff members to maintain high standards in their working relationships, and in the performance of their professional duties, to refrain from using their position for partisan political purposes.”
The school district shared a second statement addressing their decision after placing Asher on leave, Fox 28 Columbus reported. (RELATED: Trump-Hating Teacher Allegedly Wished ‘Unwanted Pregnancy’ On Man’s Daughter. Now She’s Under Investigation)
“Olentangy Orange High School principal Monica Asher has been placed on paid administrative leave effective Thursday, November 14, 2024. Administrative leave is a procedural step to protect the integrity of any district investigation,” the statement read in part.
Trump held a rally at Olentangy Orange High School in August 2018 after he was unable to host it at the originally planned Delaware County Fairgrounds, according to NBC 4 Columbus.
Members of the community had different opinions about Trump’s rally at the high school, with some calling it “exciting” and others erupting in anger.
