Ohio principal reinstated after investigation into election message to staff

LEWIS CENTER, Ohio (WCMH) -- An Ohio principal who was placed on leave because of a message sent to staff following the Nov. 5 election was reinstated Tuesday, according to Olentangy schools.

In a letter to parents, Superintendent Todd Meyer said Olentangy Orange Principal Monica Asher would return to her role Nov. 19. Meyer said administrators had concluded their investigation into her newsletter message, which acknowledged the election and spoke of "pain, uncertainty and division" because of the results. Asher was found to have violated district policies, and the letter said she has been disciplined according to district policy.

"As a reminder, the investigation took place because district policy requires employees to use discretion regarding controversial issues in their employment," Meyer wrote. "Further, employees do not have unfettered free speech rights when serving in their official capacity."

Meyer said the district looked into two district policies -- one about staff ethics and another about controversial issues -- which require district staff to maintain neutrality on political issues when acting in their professional capacities. He went on to say Asher has apologized and that her intention was to remind staff of the importance of unity and fostering a welcoming environment.

"While Principal Asher violated our policies, she fully understands and acknowledges the negative impact of her message," Meyer wrote. "As we teach our students, we must take responsibility and learn from our mistakes."

In a message to staff dated Nov. 18, Asher apologized for her message and said she had done a lot of reflection. She said a more appropriate message would have encouraged neutrality while acknowledging student and staff emotions, and said her role is to create a learning environment that is open to all thoughts and opinions. Meyer also invited all staff to a voluntary staff meeting the morning she returned to the position.

Her message received a lot of attention after it was posted to X, particularly from the conservative account Libs of TikTok. The account has not commented on her reinstatement.

Meyer said since Asher joined the district in 2022, she has been a great employee. Asher was the 2022-2023 Ohio Principal of the Year and is the current president of the Ohio Association of Secondary School Administrators.