Oklahoma teachers weigh legal protection options in the aftermath of book bans
State Superintendent candidate, Ryan Walters, took to social media to ask the State Board of Education to revoke the license of a teacher who resigned after sharing a QR code to "books unbanned" with her students.
This comes as more teachers across the state are pulling books from the classroom, afraid they might lead to a violation of HB1775. (KOKH)
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (KOKH) — State Superintendent candidate, Ryan Walters, took to social media to ask the State Board of Education to revoke the license of a teacher who resigned after sharing a QR code to "books unbanned" with her students.
This comes as more teachers across the state are pulling books from the classroom, afraid they might lead to a violation of HB1775.
This topic has been debated in classrooms, education meetings and on social media.
Oklahoma is facing a teacher crisis, a shortage of educators in the classroom.
But some of those who have remained are having second thoughts, concerned that what they teach might violate the law banning certain topics because of how it may make students feel.
Summer Boismier, a Norman High School teacher who shared a QR code linked to a website from the Brooklyn Library featuring "unbanned books,” decided to resign after her decision to introduce that curriculum was questioned.
Walters is calling on State Superintendent Joy Hofmeister to “do your job” and revoke Boismier’s teaching certification, adding that there's no room for "liberal political agenda" in the classroom.
Hofmeister's office says they won't comment on Walters’ statement.
Parents are split. Some FOX25 spoke with say they don't agree how Boismier was treated, and others say she should face consequences.
While educators are navigating how to teach in this environment, there are some options for legal protection.
There's multiple teachers unions in Oklahoma.
The Oklahoma Education Association has a group of attorneys who offer services and will advocate if an incident happens.
Professional Oklahoma Educators said it's never a bad idea to have protection, and they encourage teachers to reach out for any incident big or small for help from their legal team.
Professional Educators of Norman also provides discounted legal representation.
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