photo credit: Audrey Selsor
A message from Principal Monica Asher in the all-staff weekly newsletter “State of the Pioneer”, sparked controversy in the district in November. In the newsletter, Asher reflected on the election results, sharing thoughts about the outcome and its implications for the school community.
“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 in the newsletter. “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.”
Initially, the letter was shared internally within the school community and went unnoticed outside of it, until it was picked up by an X account with a significant following.
Screenshots were shared on X by several accounts. However, one of the most popular posts was from conservative account Libs of Tiktok. With its 3.7 million followers, the post received over 800,000 views within the first 24 hours.
Overall, the post received 1.3 million views and 13,000 likes. Overnight, the popularity of this post caused an uproar within the Olentangy community.
“The situation impacted the school’s culture by creating a divide between those who thought she deserved it and those who didn’t,” junior Sam Vermeer said.
The next morning, Nov. 14, Asher was placed on paid administrative leave. Followers of Libs of Tiktok took to X with angry messages and even expressed wanting to have Asher fired.
“Monica Asher’s statement was bizarre, narcissistic, and divisive,” One tweet read. “She vilified staff who held different opinions by associating with darkness.”
Students’ opinions were also split on whether or not they believed this suspension was fair. The next day at school, it seemed like that was all people could talk about.
“I think the situation was handled correctly because politics shouldnt be brought into a work environment. I think it brought light to the situation that not everyone has the same opinions and that these differing opinions can really divide the school,” senior Emilee Ludwig said.
Critics argued that public school officials should remain neutral, especially when communicating with staff, students, and parents. However, on the other hand, several others, including students, said that Asher’s statement was reasonable.
“It didn’t need to get all of the negative attention it did. At first, I was unsure how to react too, but when you really look into the letter, I think she really was just trying to show that our school is a safe place, especially considering outside situations. The only thing that stood out was her opening to the letter, but the rest wasn’t as much as it was made out to be,” senior Marissa Shaffer said.
Several go as far as to say that the administrative leave was far-fetched along with the internet hate that Asher recieved.
“Absolutely not. It was a private letter to her staff offering any who were sad condolences after the election; nowhere did she say her political affiliation. She acknowledged that the election, both positively and negatively, impacts people no matter what, and I personally believe she was trying to be a good boss,” junior Sam Vermeer said.
An attempt was made to interview with Chief Communications Officer Krista Davis and Asher, who politely declined to comment.
Upon Asher’s return, a statement was released to the district by superintendent Todd Meyer. Within the letter, he states that Asher has been punished in accordance with district policies, specifically Policy 2240, as this election was considered a controversial issue, and was not related to instructional goals.
“While Ms. Asher violated our policies, through our investigation, she fully understands and acknowledges the negative impact of her message. One of our district values is we can always get better, and as we teach our students, we must take responsibility and learn from our mistakes. Principal Asher has issued an apology and has been disciplined consistent with our policies,” Meyer said.
He then states that the move to put her on administrative leave was a “procedural step to protect the integrity of any district investigation.” After completion of administrative leave, Asher resumed her role as principal of the school on Nov. 19.
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