Oklahoma State Department Of Education Reopens Investigation Into Western Heights

Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters issued a statement Tuesday saying his office is reopening an investigation into Western Heights Public Schools' accreditation status “based on concerns over the district’s hiring practices as well as the use of taxpayer money on drag queens.”

The Oklahoma State Department of Education is also reviewing Dr. Shane Murnan’s teaching certificate, saying he could be dismissed “due to commission of an act of moral turpitude.”

Walters released the following statement:

“I have heard from parents in Western Heights and throughout Oklahoma who are deeply concerned about the message being sent by a district who would put a drag queen in charge of one of our schools. It is simply unacceptable.

Mr. Murnan has been clear that he is ‘very open’ about his alter ego and has shared it not only publicly available on social media but has performed in public libraries under a very thin veil of would-be anonymity. These are not the actions of a school leader concerned about the well-being of children.

When confronted with these facts, the Western heights school board failed to act to follow the law and protect our kids. When woke school board members won’t protect our kids from radical gender theory, I will.”

Western Heights released this statement in response:

"Today, the Oklahoma State Department of Education announced that they will be reopening an investigation related to Western Heights’ accreditation status based on “concerns over the district’s hiring practices as well as the use of taxpayer money on drag queens.”

As we have previously shared, the District continues to follow our usual hiring practice when screening candidates for employment. For Dr. Murnan, this included a felony criminal background check and a verification of his teaching certificate which was renewed in April 2023 and signed by State Superintendent Ryan Walters.

As for the use of taxpayer dollars, we can confirm that District expenditures are for purposes allowed by law and in accordance with the State Department of Education’s regulations. No WHPS funds have ever been used “on drag queens” as alleged by OSDE.

Western Heights Public Schools is dedicated to the safety, security, and academic excellence of every Jet within our district, ensuring our students are not just prepared for their next academic challenge but are also equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to be successful in life.

Trust and transparency are foundational pillars of our community, and we are confident that the District is operating within the realm of the law. WHPS is committed to working in collaboration with OSDE as they conduct their investigation."

Two months after Murnan was hired as principal for John Glenn Elementary, posts about his past started appearing on social media. Pictures of his work as a drag queen were circulated.

Murnan went through a background check from the district and the state, and his teaching certificate was renewed by Walters in April. Walters called for the district to take action.

“A drag queen running an Oklahoma school is not in line with Oklahoma values,” Walters said.

Many parents were concerned about alleged child pornography charges from more than 20 years ago.

News 9 reached out to the school and Principal Murnan and were sent a letter from Western Heights Superintendent Brayden Savage.

In the letter, he acknowledged the alleged child pornography charges and said they are handling the situation. He emphasized that safety is their No. 1 priority.

Court documents show that two charges were filed in Payne County in August 2001 against Murnan. The case was closed in October 2002.

Documents say the court requested “the matter be dismissed and the record expunged…”