Olentangy Orange High School's principal was placed on paid leave amid a potential investigation the same week that she sent a newsletter to district staff lamenting the results of the Nov. 5 election.
An Olentangy Schools district spokesperson confirmed Principal Monica Asher was placed on paid leave effective Thursday. The district declined to provide additional comment on why Asher was placed on paid leave.
"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," the district said in a statement.
A newsletter Asher sent to district staff caught the attention of conservative media group Sinclair Broadcast Group just before she was placed on paid leave. A Columbus news site owned by Sinclair Broadcast Group published a story on the newsletter claiming Asher "grieved" President-elect Donald Trump's victory.
Asher doesn't directly mention Trump or Republicans in her letter. Across the country and in Ohio, Republicans won resoundingly.
"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. 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," Asher wrote.
Asher's newsletter was published this week.
Asher says that Orange High School will continue to value and celebrate diversity.
"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. It will continue to be a place where we support and uplift others," Asher wrote.
Asher uses a metaphor of a herd of buffalo weathering a storm to say the district will persevere after the election.
