March 2025, Part One

Excerpt from Chapter 8: Navigating Politics as a school leader

The photo is an image of a butterfly in aqua blue with a solid black background. Next to it are the words, “Harlem Renaissance: Rebuild. Renew. Restore,” which was the motto of the school where the author was a principal.

March 2025, Part One:

Below is an excerpt from Chapter 8:Navigating Politics as a School Leader.…I would love to hear your thoughts or feedback in the comments!

James Whitfield, principal of Colleyville Heritage High School, Texas (2021), the school's first Black principal, was suspended after accusations of promoting Critical Race Theory (CRT), which he denied. The controversy stemmed from an open letter he wrote expressing concerns over racial injustices. Whitfield was placed on administrative leave and then resigned from his position within the district. (Lopez, B. 2021, September 18).

Daniel Smith, principal of Pimlico Academy, a secondary school in London, England (2021), implemented several policy changes, including revisions to the uniform code that prohibited hairstyles obstructing others' views and colorful hijabs and the prominent display of the Union Flag on school grounds. These measures were perceived by many students, parents, and staff as discriminatory, particularly against minority groups, leading to widespread protests. Students expressed concerns that the updated curriculum inadequately represented Black history, and the uniform policies were criticized as racially insensitive. In response to the unrest, Smith eventually resigned (Parveen, N. 2021, May 18).

Heather Snookal, principal of Phantom Lake Elementary in Bellevue, Washington (2024), was placed on administrative leave following her response to a swastika graffiti incident at the school. Initially, Snookal informed parents about the discovery, labeling the swastika as a symbol of hate. Subsequently, she issued a follow-up email highlighting the swastika's historical significance in various cultures, such as Hinduism and Buddhism, aiming to promote cultural understanding and inclusivity. This response led to backlash from parents, who felt it downplayed the symbol's association with hate, especially amid rising antisemitic incidents in the U.S. The Bellevue School District placed Snookal on administrative leave and initiated an investigation, reaffirming their commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive community. New York Post. (2024, October 2).

Monica Asher, principal of Olentangy Orange High School in Lewis Center, Ohio (2024), was placed on administrative leave following a post-election message to her staff. In her newsletter, Asher expressed personal reflections on the election results, which led to concerns about the appropriateness of sharing such views in her professional capacity. The Olentangy Local School District initiated an investigation into the matter, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a nonpartisan environment within educational settings. After a brief leave and issuing an apology to the staff, Asher was reinstated to her position. (NBC4 Staff. 2024, November 7).

These cases highlight the intricate and delicate balance that principals must maintain when navigating the political dynamics influencing their schools. Successfully addressing these challenges requires a nuanced understanding of community values, legal frameworks, and ethical considerations while balancing transparency, governance, and the false separation of education from political agendas. Leaders must also manage the diverse perspectives of students, parents, and the broader community to serve their institutions and uphold their mission effectively.

Principals and Politics

I remember when I became a principal, one of my primary goals was not to end up on the front page of the New York Post. The tabloid-like newspaper was on a constant search for principals that had somehow messed up in their role. They always added their salary as well, which felt like a signal for the public to be even more upset that so much money was going to someone who was unsuccessful in their role.