By Michael Pineda
Ardmore City Schools Interim Superintendent Andy Davis released an update to district parents regarding an investigation of a teacher’s comments on social media.
The State Department of Education and ACS are both investigating a post high school teacher Alison Scott made in reference to the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump.
Davis said he has spoken with one of Walters right-hand staff members and has also spoken with Scott during the course of the investigation. Given the situation is a personnel matter, he was not able to discuss the specifics of the conversations. Davis said the investigation is ongoing and he has spoken with Scott’s attorney as the district proceeds by the book.
“I have also talked to the State Department of Education’s top attorney as well,” he said.
Thursday afternoon, Davis released a statement to parents about the issue, noting it has gained state and national attention and generated strong emotions, distress and questions within the community.
“Please allow me to be clear: Ardmore City Schools unequivocally rejects the message included in the post and its implications,” Davis wrote. “The post does not reflect the values and principles held dear by our district, our student body and our community. Ardmore City Schools is committed to providing a safe, respectful and welcoming environment for all. Violence – and words that seek to encourage it – have no place in our schools or our society.”
Davis added the district must adhere to all related laws and policies while it completes its work, noting there is no additional information to share due to it being a personnel matter. Davis also said the district wants to communicate as openly and transparently as possible.
“When we work together, we can ensure we provide the best educational experience and environment for our students,” he wrote.
The ACS social media post policy states employees must conduct themselves in ways that do not distract or disrupt from the educational process.
Scott’s comments were posted by Libs of TikTok and went viral. Walters posted on X (formerly known as Twitter) that he had investigated the matter and would be taking Scott’s teaching certificate, and she would no longer be teaching in Oklahoma. Walters also posted the following:
“No one in Oklahoma education system will support the assassination of @realDonaldTrump. It will not be tolerated. Ever! #maga.”
State Rep. Tammy Townley said she has reached out to Walters since he announced that he would take Scott’s teaching certificate. She said Walters did what he thought was in the best interest of the students.
Townley, who made a statement on social media about the controversy, said if it had been a student making threats, the principal and superintendent would have taken no time in suspending the student.
“Why would we not hold our educators to the same level,” she said.
It is heartbreaking the situation came out of one of our schools, she said.
“Words have consequences and airing dirty laundry on social media is not the place for that kind of propaganda,” she said.
