Tipsheet

Here’s Why This Oklahoma ‘Drag Queen’ Principal Resigned

Madeline Leesman
Madeline Leesman  |  February 02, 2024 3:45 PM

An elementary school principal in Oklahoma who performs as a drag queen outside of school resigned from his position following backlash. 

Shane Murnan was the principal at John Glenn Elementary School in Oklahoma City. According to The Oklahoman, Murnan resigned after his side hobby as a drag queen was outed by Libs of Tik Tok last year and sparked backlash.

Murnan’s resignation will not be finalized until it’s voted upon by the school board at an upcoming meeting on Feb. 12. Reportedly, Murnan was hired in June by Western Heights Public Schools. Before that, he had worked at Oklahoma City Public Schools since 2015.

In August, Libs of Tik Tok posted that Murnan was a drag queen performer under the name “Shantel Mandalay.” 

Shortly after, state schools Superintendent Ryan Walters called on Murnan to resign (via The Oklahoman):

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Soon after the Libs of TikTok post in late August, Walters called for Murnan’s resignation, but the district supported the principal, saying he had an outstanding reputation. In September, Walters threatened to reopen Western Heights’ accreditation status and review Murnan’s teaching certificate. The district responded that Murnan had been hired in accordance with its usual screening practices.

"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," the district said at the time. Murnan’s name has not appeared on an Oklahoma State Board of Education agenda since Walters made his threat.

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Walters said in December, without providing details, that he plans to propose changes to Education Department rules that would clarify “community standards” are part of the application for a teaching certificate and that would tie a district’s annual accreditation to its hiring practices.

Last month, Chaya Raichik, the creator behind the viral X account Libs of Tik Tok, was appointed as an adviser to Oklahoma Education Department’s Library Media Advisory Committee. Raichik was selected by Walters. In a statement, Walters praised Raichik’s work exposing school districts for indoctrinating kids. 

“Chaya is on the front lines showing the world exactly what the radical left is all about – lowering standards, porn in schools, and pushing woke indoctrination on our kids,” Walters said in a statement. 

“Because of her work, families across the country know just what is going on in schools around the country. Her unique perspective is invaluable as part of my plan to make Oklahoma schools safer for kids and friendly to parents. Chaya has a much-needed and powerful voice as well as a tremendous platform that will benefit Oklahoma students and their families.”