Olentangy Orange HS principal placed on leave over message to staff after Trump victory

The principal of Olentangy Orange High School was placed on administrative leave Thursday while the district investigates a newsletter she sent to school staff after President-elect Donald Trump's victory earlier this month.

Olentangy Orange Principal Monica Asher was placed on administrative leave stemming from a newsletter she sent to school staff on Sunday, which began with a reflection about the outcome of the November election. In the letter, she said she "struggled this week to find the right words" about what to say regarding the outcome.

"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 said. "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."

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Olentangy Superintendent Todd Meyer said in letters sent to staff and parents on Thursday that Asher had been placed on administrative leave, and noted the 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," the district said in a statement.

More: How did central Ohio schools do on state report cards? Here's what we learned

Asher, who first came to the district in 2022, was named 2022-2023 Ohio Principal of the Year, and serves as the current President of Ohio Association of Secondary School Administrators, according to her staff bio.

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Assistant Principal Ellie Ellis will serve as principal in the interim.

Principal's newsletter: School will continue to be place where 'all students find safety'

Asher's letter says that following the election, she "saw pain, uncertainty, and division," and was "not entirely sure how to tell you how to more forward."

"What I can tell you is that I am here with you and my values have not changed," Asher wrote. "I recognize that leadership is tested during tough times."

She also emphasized in the letter that Olentangy Orange High School would continue to be a place where "students, all students, find safety."

"It will continue to be a place that not only values diversity, but celebrates it," Asher said. "Orange will continue to be a place where showing compassion and respect to those around us is a priority, where we recognize the humanity, dignity, and worth in every person we meet."

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Cbehrens@dispatch.com

@Colebehr_report

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio high school principal on leave after election message to staff

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