Former Teacher Sues Oklahoma Education Officials Over License Revocation

UPDATE: Former Norman High School teacher Summer Boismier has filed a lawsuit against the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) and its Superintendent Ryan Walters after her teaching license was revoked earlier this month. This urgent legal battle, initiated on October 31, 2024, is centered on allegations of unconstitutional retaliation and seeks to challenge the state’s actions against educators who voice concerns over political restrictions in classrooms.

In a compelling statement, Boismier expressed her hopes for the lawsuit, emphasizing a need for “freedom for Oklahoma teachers and students” who have faced intimidation in recent years. The lawsuit claims that the OSDE retaliated against Boismier for her criticism of a statewide book ban and her advocacy for racial minorities and LGBTQ+ rights.

The controversial legislation at the heart of this conflict is HB 1775, a bill aimed at prohibiting discussions on certain topics related to race and gender in schools. According to Boismier’s legal counsel, the revocation stemmed from her sharing a QR code that allegedly directed students to a public library in Brooklyn, New York, which Walters claimed violated his guidelines on explicit material. However, Boismier’s attorneys assert that the QR code merely provided access to a library card application and did not lead to any banned content.

Boismier was placed on administrative leave by Norman Public Schools in 2022 and subsequently resigned following the revocation of her license. She has since struggled to find employment within the education sector, stating, “I have filled out over 300 job applications and have zero offers.” The emotional toll of her situation resonates deeply as she fights not just for her career but for the rights of her fellow educators.

In response to the lawsuit, OSDE issued a statement indicating that the legal action is directed at previous officials rather than the current administration. “Ms. Boismier and her counsel are aware of the change in administration and are proceeding accordingly,” noted Bailey Woolsey, OSDE Press Secretary.

As the situation develops, Boismier’s attorney, Iris Halpern, anticipates that the litigation process could extend for at least a year. The defendants are now required to submit their response to the lawsuit, marking the beginning of a significant legal fight over educational freedom and rights in Oklahoma.

This case is expected to draw widespread attention as it highlights the ongoing national debate over educational content and the rights of teachers to speak out against policies they believe are unjust. As more details emerge, the implications of this lawsuit could resonate beyond Oklahoma, potentially influencing similar cases across the country.

Stay tuned for updates as this story continues to unfold.