Supt. Ryan Walters will investigate two teachers in his push to rid classrooms of 'far-left radicals'

Ben Felder, Oklahoman
·2 min read
Ryan Walters is sworn in as the Oklahoma state superintendent of instruction at the Inauguration Day ceremonies on Monday at the Oklahoma Capitol.
Ryan Walters is sworn in as the Oklahoma state superintendent of instruction at the Inauguration Day ceremonies on Monday at the Oklahoma Capitol.

State Superintendent Ryan Walters has ordered his staff to investigate two teachers for “indoctrinating” students, according to a video he recorded on Wednesday.

What he said: “I have instructed my staff to immediately begin the processes to hold the two teachers accountable who actively violated state law, admitted to violating state law, to indoctrinate our kids. We will not allow the indoctrination of Oklahoma students here in the state of Oklahoma, and I as the state superintendent and the Department of Education will do everything within our power to not allow our kids to be indoctrinated by far-left radicals and to hold those accountable who have done so.”

Who are the two teachers?: Walters did not mention any teacher by name but he was referring to Tyler Wrynn and Summer Boismier, according to an agency spokesperson.

Both Wrynn and Boismier have openly criticized House Bill 1775, a controversial state law that some believe limits the teaching of race and gender.

Wrynn is employed by the Tulsa district, according to the state’s online database of teachers.

Boismier resigned from Norman schools last year and now lives out of state.

“As far as ideology goes, I do believe the classroom is an inherently political space,” Boismier told The Oklahoman last year. “I do not mean partisan. Speaking is political, but silence is also political. If I had no choice but to be political, I’m going to err on the side of compassion and inclusivity. I couldn’t promise the district that I wouldn't do it again.”

Next steps: Revoking a teacher's state license requires a vote of the state Board of Education, which Walters is chair of. The state Department of Education did not provide any details on what Walters wants the agency to do and Walters did not return a message seeking comment.

More:Ryan Walters says he plans to 'hold folks accountable' at the Education Department

On Monday, Walters said he also planned to purge the state Department of Education of employees he believes have been pushing "liberal indoctrination."

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Ryan Walters wants state to investigate two Oklahoma teachers