Union Public Schools Accused Of Violating State Law On Banned Topics

The State Department of Education is investigating a complaint against Union High School that claims a course violates a law that bans certain racial topics.

Union Public Schools says it was notified by the state of the complaint last Wednesday. The complaint was mentioned in a State Board of Education meeting by SDE attorney Bryan Cleveland.

“I did have one complaint regarding a textbook at Union High School, at the Union Public School district in Tulsa, an allegation there was a violation of the critical race theory rules, so we've given notice to the school, and we're working to obtain a copy of the textbook to see if the allegations are true, so we'll be looking into that.”

A Union Public Schools spokesman said the complaint is in the hands of school district attorneys, and an initial review shows the complaint references not a textbook, but an online course called “Social Problems: A World in Crisis.” The course description states, “Students will become aware of challenges faced by social groups, about how social problems affect them personally,” and says that “possible solutions will be examined.”

Union Public School points out the course was purchased by the State for districts to use.

Union is also reviewing a novel called “Lucky” that generated a complaint to the district about sexual content. The spokesman said that book is underdoing the standard review that begins whenever a complaint about a book is made.

The rules regarding state law HB 1775 can be viewed here. Complaints are filed through the OSDE website here.