A controversial hiring decision by an Oklahoma elementary school has sparked outrage due to the employment of Principal Shane Murnan, who faced child pornography charges over two decades ago but was never convicted.
Prosecutors from that time struggled to establish that the images in question depicted minors.
In June, the Western Heights School District (WHSD) appointed Murnan as the principal of John Glenn Elementary School, causing a significant uproar as historical reports resurfaced regarding his prior legal troubles.
Murnan, who was also known for his involvement in drag performance under the name “Shantel Mandalay,” had faced charges related to child pornography in 2002.
Despite the charges, Murnan’s case was ultimately dismissed by a Payne County judge who found insufficient evidence to establish his possession of child pornography.
The Oklahoman reported on Murnan’s exoneration, noting that he was a fifth-grade teacher in a different school district at the time.
Notably, these charges were expunged from Murnan’s record, and he went on to serve as an educator for 25 years. However, his recent appointment as principal has ignited controversy, leading to widespread criticism and mounting demands for his removal in recent weeks.
Shane Murnan Dismissal: What Happened?
John Glenn Elementary School in Oklahoma is facing increasing pressure to terminate its principal, Shane Murnan, known for his involvement in drag performance, following the resurfacing of decades-old child pornography charges that were ultimately dismissed due to a lack of evidence.
Shane Murnan, originally from Noble, Oklahoma, has an educational background that includes undergraduate and master’s degrees in Education Administration from Oklahoma State University.
Additionally, he holds a Doctorate in Education from the University of Phoenix and has dedicated over two decades to his career in education. It’s worth noting that in 2014, he reportedly applied to become a church minister.
Shortly after Murnan’s appointment as the elementary school principal, past charges came to light, leading concerned parents to demand his resignation.
Oklahoma’s Head of Public School Education, Shane Walters, criticized district officials for hiring Murnan and called for his dismissal.
Despite facing backlash, Western Heights school district officials, including Superintendent Brayden Savage, have expressed their support for Shane Murnan’s role as principal, citing his exemplary record as an educator.
However, State Superintendent Ryan Walters has echoed the concerns raised by parents and other state officials.
Walters has disclosed that they are currently investigating the charges related to Murnan’s past and has assured parents that appropriate actions will be taken based on the findings of their inquiry.
Who Is Shane Murnan?
John Shane Murnan, also known as Shane Murnan, is an individual who gained attention due to his role as the principal of John Glenn Elementary School in Oklahoma.
His hiring generated controversy and calls for his dismissal because of decades-old child pornography charges that were dismissed by a judge for lack of evidence.
Murnan is originally from Noble, Oklahoma, and has an educational background, including undergraduate and master’s degrees in Education Administration from Oklahoma State University.
He also holds a Doctorate in Education from the University of Phoenix. Murnan has worked in the field of education for over two decades.
Despite the controversy surrounding his hiring, he received support from some school district officials, while others have called for his removal. State Superintendent Ryan Walters has noted an ongoing investigation into the matter.
What Did Shane Murnan Do?
Shane Murnan, the principal of John Glenn Elementary School in Oklahoma, faced controversy and calls for his dismissal after decades-old child pornography charges resurfaced.
These charges had been dismissed by a judge due to a lack of evidence when they were initially filed in 2002.
Despite the charges being dismissed and expunged from his record, Murnan’s hiring as an elementary school principal stirred up controversy and led to demands for his resignation.
Parents and some state officials criticized the Western Heights School District for hiring Murnan, while others defended his exemplary record as an educator.
The State Superintendent, Ryan Walters, announced an ongoing investigation into the matter to address concerns related to Murnan’s past. The outcome of this investigation will likely determine whether Murnan continues in his role as principal.
