The principal of an Oklahoma elementary school who performed as a drag queen has resigned after intense backlash.
Dr. Shane Murnan, 52, was named principal of John Glenn Elementary School in June, but his controversial past, which included child pornography charges that were later dropped nearly 20 years ago, came to light.
He reportedly performed as a drag queen named Shantel Mandalay and read stories to children in costumes at local libraries.
The Western Heights School District had received threats and was forced to hire additional security guards and order Murnan to do primary work on site before placing him on administrative leave.
He resigned this week after months of outrage from parents, according to Fox News Digital. Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters, who had called on Murnan to resign, celebrated the news on social media.
The principal of an Oklahoma elementary school who performed as a drag queen has resigned after intense backlash
Dr. Shane Murnan was named principal of John Glenn Elementary School in June, but his controversial past, which included child pornography charges that were later dropped nearly 20 years ago, came to light
The Western Heights School District had received threats and was forced to hire additional security guards and order Murnan to do primary work on site before placing him on administrative leave. Pictured: John Glenn Elementary School
Murnan was first linked to drag queen activity in September via the social media account Libs of TikTok.
Then it emerged that he had been charged with child pornography almost 20 years ago, which was later dropped.
The judge dismissed the case during the preliminary hearing for lack of sufficient justification as it could not be proven that the images depicted minors.
“The drag queen is out in Western Heights.” “I've demanded it from day one,” said Oklahoma Superintendent Walters.
“This is not what parents want for their children.” The problems in Western Heights continue.
“What’s going on with their hiring practices?” “Here in Oklahoma, having drag queens in the classroom is not tolerated.”
The school district previously said it was aware of the previous charges but defended the hiring, emphasizing the person's qualifications and outstanding reputation.
'DR. “Murnan has worked in education for more than 25 years and has an excellent reputation,” it said in a statement.
“He comes highly recommended by previous supervisors, colleagues and educators.”
“He holds a Bachelor of Science in elementary education, a Master of Education in educational administration and a doctorate in educational leadership and administration,” it continued.
“Our names are Dr. Murnan to Western Heights and are excited about his vision for John Glenn and the community.”
According to a Facebook page, Murnan worked as a drag queen at a venue called The Boom.
Murnan reportedly performed as a drag queen named Shantel Mandalay and read stories to children in costumes at local libraries
The Western Heights School District had received threats and was forced to hire additional security guards and order Murnan to do primary work on site before placing him on administrative leave
He also reportedly visited libraries and read books to children dressed in drag. Murnan read children's books during a story time at the Metropolitan Library System in June.
“By day she is an assistant principal shaping young minds, but by night she is the life of the party,” reads a Facebook post announcing Murnan’s attendance at the 2023 Pride Benefit Gala.
“As host of Thirsty Thursday and Sunday Night Karaoke at Boom in Oklahoma City, she knows how to bring energy and entertain the audience.”
According to Murnan's bio, he has an “impressive array of titles,” including Miss Gay Oklahoma America and Miss Gay Oklahoma USA.
Walters previously argued that the decision to hire Murnan was part of a broader agenda on the left to influence children's beliefs and break up family units.
“Their end goal is to completely destroy a child's mind, destroy the classroom, destroy the family, and you see the results that have come from that.”
“They want children to turn against their parents and only listen to their leftist ideology,” he added.
Walters said the election was part of the left's “plan” to control students' values.
“And how do you do that?” he said. 'They begin…. Break them apart and say: Listen, you're genderqueer. Listen, you can change your pronouns… Check out the sexual material. If the child takes it home and their parents are upset about it, the children turn against their parents.”
Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters, who had called on Murnan to resign, celebrated the news on social media
Walters claimed that the agenda would turn children away from their parents' beliefs.
“This is absolutely an attempt to break down the family unit so that the child is more vulnerable to the most radical Marxist gender ideology we've ever seen, to pit groups of people against each other.” And frankly, it's about winning over Democratic voters. “
“No parent wants to send their children to school knowing they could be exposed in any way to this radical gender theory.” This woke war against our children must stop. We won't allow it in Oklahoma. “This is the liberal madness every parent wants out of the classroom,” Walters added.
“We will not allow our children to be part of their radical left-wing game to advance their ideology and advance their end goal of producing social justice warriors instead of students who understand that education is the path to success for them.” We will don't allow it. This will stop.'
has reached out to the Western Heights School District for comment.