US Authoritarianism

An Oklahoma teacher left her job after the state's Secretary of Education accused her of giving students "banned and pornographic material." The accusation came after Summer Boismier posted a QR code for the Brooklyn Public Library's "Books UnBanned" program. It allows anyone 13 to 21 years old to access the library's entire digital collection for free.

Links included in short article:

Bklyn Public Library source: https://www.bklynlibrary.org/books-unbanned

Recognizing Two Years of Books Unbanned

In April 2022, Brooklyn Public Library joined those fighting for the rights of teens nationwide to read what they like, discover themselves, and form their own opinions. Inspired by the American Library Association's Freedom to Read Statement, Books Unbanned is a response to an increasingly coordinated and effective effort to remove books from library shelves.

Twitter source:

1. https://x.com/RyanWaltersSupt/status/1565115199547482112
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3. Image:
4. Image to text: [Ryan Walters | Office of the Secretary of Education | State of Oklahoma

Oklahoma State Board of Education:

In light of recent events involving Norman High School English Teacher Summer Boismier, I am asking the Oklahoma State Board of Education to revoke her teaching certificate immediately. Upon review of the situation, the teacher resigned rather than face removal. There is no place for a teacher with a liberal political agenda in the classroom. Ms. Boismier's providing access to banned and pornographic material to students is unacceptable and we must ensure she doesn't go to another district and do the same thing. This action must be dealt with swiftly and with respect to all our kids and parents.

Teachers are one of our state's greatest assets and it is unfortunate that one of them has caused such harm and shame for the entire profession. This type of behavior will not be tolerated in Oklahoma and I speak for parents across the state who are demanding swift and immediate action.

Kids first, | Ryn Walter | Ryan Walters | Oklahoma Secretary of Education

State Capitol Building | 2300 North Lincoln Boulevard, Suite 212 | Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73105 | 405.521.2342]