My childhood best friend, a warrior fighting stage 4 colon cancer, should not have to fight for her son’s basic rights to a safe and welcoming public education. She has been misled, lied to, and jumped through countless hoops to enroll her child, only to discover, moments after a positive introduction to school staff, that it was all a mistake – their presence unwelcomed. This is not an isolated incident; it’s a pattern under the leadership of Superintendent Sally Warren Thomason.

In Shawnee, Oklahoma, families entrusted the education of their children at Pleasant Grove Elementary School face discriminatory practices that contradict the values of equality and fairness. Sally Warren Thomason, in a position meant to uphold the sanctity of education, has consistently failed both minority children and those requiring Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).

Despite the trust in her office, Ms. Thomason has been involved in numerous situations where Native American and Black families were deceived and misled. She has admitted to deceit when confronted, revealing a concerning disregard for transparency and integrity. Families with generations-long ties to Pleasant Grove are now being told they cannot continue their educational journey there, a directive that seems unjustifiably targeted towards minorities.

Education should be a realm of equal opportunity, a place where every child, irrespective of their race or educational needs, receives the support they require to thrive. By denying these fundamental rights, Superintendent Thomason is not just impeding the educational paths of many children but also perpetuating a culture of inequality and distrust.

Sally Warren Thomason’s actions have sown discord and unease, negating years of community trust. Her leadership is misaligned with the community’s core values and the educational needs of every child, particularly those most vulnerable to discrimination. It's time for change. It is time to give Pleasant Grove back to the community it belongs to, the community that loves it!  
Join me in demanding the immediate removal of Sally Warren Thomason as Superintendent. Let us restore equal educational opportunities for all children in Shawnee and ensure Pleasant Grove is once again a safe haven for learning and growth. Please sign this petition to stand against discrimination and hold our educational leaders accountable.