Summer Boismier, a former teacher at Norman High School, has initiated legal action against the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE), its Superintendent Ryan Walters, and five former members of the Board of Education. The lawsuit, filed on October 31, 2024, is a response to the revocation of her teaching license, a decision Boismier claims was unjust and retaliatory.
According to Boismier’s attorney, Iris Halpern, the lawsuit argues that the defendants personally violated the Constitution and specific laws, asserting that these violations will follow them beyond their current positions. “We are arguing that they personally violated the Constitution and certain laws,” Halpern stated, emphasizing the broader implications of their actions.
Allegations of Retaliation and Censorship
In her pursuit of justice, Boismier expressed her desire to advocate for the rights of teachers and students in Oklahoma. In a statement to News 4, she said, “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.”
The legal filing indicates that Boismier faced retaliation for criticizing a statewide book ban, known as HB 1775, which restricts discussions on race and gender in educational settings. Boismier contended that her support for racial minorities and LGBTQ+ individuals played a significant role in the license revocation.
Walters previously stated that Boismier violated his policies by sharing a QR code directing students to a public library in Brooklyn, New York, which he claimed could lead to access to explicit material. Halpern counters this assertion, explaining that the QR code merely provided a link to apply for a library card, granting access to the entire digital collection, without any direct links to banned content.
Impact on Boismier’s Career and Future
Boismier’s teaching career has been severely impacted since her license was revoked. Following her administrative leave from Norman Public Schools in 2022, she ultimately resigned. “I can’t work in the field that I’ve previously worked in because I don’t have a valid teaching certificate,” Boismier remarked, noting that she has submitted over 300 job applications without receiving any offers.
In response to the lawsuit, the OSDE issued a statement clarifying that the legal actions are directed at the previous administration. OSDE Press Secretary Bailey Woolsey noted that current 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 added.
As the case develops, Boismier’s legal team anticipates that the litigation process may take at least a year. The defendants are expected to submit their response to the lawsuit within a specified timeframe. As the situation unfolds, it raises significant questions about the balance between educational policies, teachers’ rights, and the broader implications for students in Oklahoma.
