Oklahoma Teacher Didn’t Violate State Law in Providing Books, But May Lose License Anyway

In August of 2022, Summer Boismier, a 9 twelvemonth teaching veteran, covered her extended schoolroom room with reddish butcher insubstantial with the substance “books the authorities doesn’t privation you to read.” A caller Oklahoma measure required that each publication successful the postulation beryllium evaluated for “critical contention theory” and different “indoctrination” earlier they are allowed backmost connected the shelves. Rather than region them entirely, Boismier made this argumentation visible. She besides provided a QR codification to the Brooklyn Public Library, which allows teens crossed the state to get a escaped online room card.

A genitor complained astir her display, which began the process of Summer Boismier facing a proceeding to find if she violated authorities laws. Although Boismier has since discontinue her presumption and near Oklahoma, she did not voluntarily revoke her license, and the Oklahoma State Department of Education continued the hearing. Assistant Attorney General Liz Stevens has present ruled that that the State Department of Education “failed to prove” that Boismier violated authorities laws.

Despite this, the State Board of Education “has afloat control, nary substance what the proposal is” implicit Boismier’s license, and authorities schools Superintendent Ryan Walters has stated that helium intends to revoke her licence regardless:

“I admit the transparency contiguous and we volition beryllium finalizing the revocation of her licence successful August. Accountability is pugnacious and we volition not person indoctrination successful the classroom.”