ALLENTOWN, Pa. — The principal of Harrison-Morton Middle School has been placed on paid administrative leave following an incident over the weekend, the Allentown School District announced Sunday.
Stephanie Williams, who was appointed principal in July 2025, was placed on leave effective Saturday, Sept. 13, according to an email sent to parents and the school community on Sunday evening.
snippet of an email sent by ASD on the evening of Sunday, September 14, 2025
The district cited “an incident that occurred this weekend within the City of Allentown” but provided no additional details, calling it “a confidential personnel matter.”
“In accordance with Allentown School District policy and applicable law, we are unable to provide additional details at this time,” the district wrote in the email.
Video circulating on social media appears to show Williams acting erratically at Bucky Boyle Park, running up to students, making faces and rolling around on the ground while appearing out of breath.
In the video, students can be heard attempting to return what appear to be Williams’ phone and glasses to her.
At the beginning of the video, a student says, “I think our principal is on drugs,” as Williams approaches the camera, yelling, “Y’all are brilliant,” and laughing hysterically.
“Just please take your phone,” one student says repeatedly in the video.
Williams can be heard laughing and making disjointed statements, including “This is the craziest thing ever” and “They’re about to go viral. They don’t even know they’re about to go viral.”
Lehigh Daily could not immediately verify the origin of the video.
Mr. Arcelius Brickhouse will serve as acting principal until further notice, the district announced.
“We are confident that he will provide strong leadership and support to students, staff, and families in the interim,” district officials wrote.
Williams could not be reached for comment Sunday evening, nor could district officials, as offices were closed.
The district emphasized its commitment to “supporting learning, teaching, and student success” during the leadership transition and asked the school community for “understanding, discretion, and cooperation.”
Williams had served as principal for approximately two months before being placed on leave.
This is a developing story.
Jai Smith is a lifetime Lehigh Valley resident on a mission to empower local underserved communities and inform the public while providing journalists and storytellers a platform to develop the next generation of news media.