Summer Boismier, a former teacher at Norman High School, has initiated legal action against the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE), Superintendent Ryan Walters, and five former Board of Education members. The lawsuit, filed on October 31, 2023, in Oklahoma County, challenges the revocation of her teaching license, which the defendants enacted in 2024.
Boismier’s attorney, Iris Halpern, argues that the actions taken against her client constitute a violation of the Constitution and specific laws, and these violations should follow the individuals involved, irrespective of their current positions. In an interview, Boismier expressed her goals for the lawsuit. “I think I’m looking for, maybe freedom, for Oklahoma teachers and students who’ve been teaching and most importantly, learning from places of fear the last few years,” she stated.
The legal filing claims that Boismier faced retaliation for her vocal opposition to a statewide book ban and her advocacy for racial minorities and members of the LGBTQ+ community. The ban in question, known as HB 1775, aims to restrict discussions in schools on specific topics related to race and gender. Walters previously stated that Boismier’s decision to distribute a QR code linking to a public library in Brooklyn, New York, breached his guidelines regarding explicit material.
Boismier’s legal team maintains that the QR code did not direct users to any explicit content. Halpern clarified, “It didn’t even go specifically to any banned books, right. It was a URL where you can apply for a library card and have access to their whole entire digital collection.”
In 2022, Boismier was placed on administrative leave by Norman Public Schools, eventually leading her to resign. Following this, the OSDE, under Walters and the former board members, voted to revoke her teaching license. Boismier is now unable to work in her field due to the revocation. “I can’t work in the field that I’ve previously worked in because I don’t have a valid teaching certificate,” Boismier explained. She has reportedly submitted over 300 job applications without receiving any offers.
In response to inquiries regarding the lawsuit, OSDE issued a statement through Bailey Woolsey, the press secretary. The statement indicated that the lawsuit is aimed at the prior administration and the roles held by those individuals at the time. It further clarified that Superintendent Fields and the current Board members are not involved in the litigation. “It is understood that Ms. Boismier and her counsel are aware of the change in administration and are proceeding accordingly,” Woolsey noted.
As for Walters, the OSDE has yet to receive a response, and the defendants have a specified timeframe to reply to the allegations presented in the lawsuit. Halpern anticipates that the legal proceedings may extend for at least a year.
This case highlights ongoing tensions surrounding educational policies in Oklahoma and raises questions about the implications of such actions on educators and their ability to teach freely.
