Principal suspended for political message after Trump victory
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A newsletter sent by an Ohio high school principal following Trump’s election victory has led to her suspension. Monica Asher, who leads Olentangy Orange High School in Lewis Center, found herself in controversy after addressing staff members about the election results.
According to WSYX, Asher distributed a staff newsletter last Sunday that expressed concerns about the electoral outcome. In her message, she acknowledged her difficulty in finding appropriate words to address the situation.
šØSCOOP: 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
“I have struggled this week to find the right words for the SOP,” Asher stated at the beginning of the newsletter. “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. 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.”
The principal, who previously earned Ohio’s principal of the year award, continued by expressing her observations of the post-election atmosphere. “This week, I saw pain, uncertainty, and division. I have to be honest, I am not entirely sure how to tell you how to move forward. What I can tell you is that I am here with you and my values have not changed. I recognize that leadership is tested during tough timesā¦anyone can lead when it is easy and I grew up not wanting to be just anyone. I grew up wanting to be someone. Someone who made a difference.”
In her communication, Asher emphasized the importance of maintaining respect and compassion within the school community. She drew a parallel between facing challenges and how buffalo confront storms, writing: “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. That said, I ask you to join me and move like buffalo through a storm. Rather than running away from a storm, buffalo typically face it head-on.”
She elaborated on this metaphor, stating: “They take stock of the direction the storm is moving, gather together with their herd, and move directly into it. They stick together for protection, with the stronger individuals leading and guiding the group, ensuring that the younger and weaker members are kept safe. Moving towards a storm seems a little strange, but they do this because they know that the first place where there will be light is directly on the other side of the storm clouds.”
BREAKING: Anti-Trump Ohio High School Principal @OlentangySD Placed on Administrative Leave Following Woke Post-Election Letter to Staff
Monica Asher, previously named the Ohio Principal of the Year in 2022, is out of the school and under full investigation from the district. pic.twitter.com/V8XjUDW7Qn
— Eric Spracklenš¦š (@EricSpracklen) November 14, 2024
The district administration responded to the situation on Thursday with an official statement: “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. Olentangy Schools is committed to creating a welcoming environment that promotes a culture of inclusive excellence for all students, families, and staff. Because this is an ongoing investigation, Olentangy Schools cannot provide additional comment.”
The incident has sparked significant social media reaction, with many users criticizing Asher’s message. The situation has drawn particular attention given Asher’s current role as president of the Ohio Association of Secondary School Administrators.
