Mixed Reactions About Principal Heard By Western Heights School Board

People had the chance to voice their concerns about a Western Heights Public Schools principal performing as a drag queen. 

Some parents in the community opposed the principal's extracurriculars at Monday night's school board meeting, others showed up to defend his right to free speech.

Protesters heckled chants outside John Glenn Elementary School. Inside, the discussion at Monday’s Western Heights School Board meeting was not on the agenda, but it was on the hearts and minds of teachers and parents who showed up.

“Dr. Murnan is John Glenn,” said one supporter.

Some community members are upset about John Glenn Elementary Principal Dr. Shane Murnan, who also works as a drag queen.

“I no longer feel comfortable sending my children to class and have decided to keep them home,” said one parent.  

The meeting remained relatively civil despite some shouting toward the end of the public comment period.  

“You’re trying to infest our school with this ideology,” said another concerned resident. “When you take the children into account, we’re on a whole different level.” 

Murnan had voices of support who believed the outrage had nothing to do with the classroom.

“What a person does in his or her private life nor frankly anyone else’s business,” a supporter said.

“The fact that it has led to death threats and adults screaming obscenities with children makes it even more pathetic,” said one former teacher.

Murnan was also charged with possession of child pornography 20 years ago, but those charges were dismissed due to a lack of evidence. 

“If he’s such a danger to our kids then why did OSDE renew his certificate in April?” a supporter said.   

State Superintendent Ryan Walters told News 9 last week he expected the district to remove Murnan from his position.

“This is something that doesn’t align with Oklahoma values and something we’re not gonna tolerate here in this state,” Walters said.

It will be up to board members to decide what side of the public’s opinion will get the final word.

The board did not take any action on the future of Murnan’s role with the district. News 9 tried to contact Murnan but did not hear back.