The Okmulgee Public Schools Board of Education convened a special meeting on March 10 at the Administration Building for a due process hearing for Clifton Harris, a probationary teacher at Ok- mulgee High School.

Harris faced accusations of inappropriate behavior toward students, spanning incidents from the 2022-23 academic year through the current year, supported by recorded audio evidence of explicit comments.

— Legal Representation

• Lawrence Lane: Attorney representing Clifford Harris.

• Mark Rains: Attorney representing Superintendent LuVonna Copeland.

• Justin Cliburn: Attorney representing Oklahoma Public Schools (OPS).

— Allegations Detailed

Harris allegedly made sexually inappropriate comments in the presence of students. Key evidence included a recorded conversation provided by student Samariah Husman, in which Harris discussed personal sexual preferences, explicitly referencing being “turned on” by women requesting money through Cash App for pedicures and manicures. Additional allegations included Harris making inappropriate comments about students’ social media posts, particularly referencing seeing students “all booed up” on Instagram.

— Harris Witness Testimonies Mariah Price

Business Manager/Deputy Treasurer

• Formerly Career Development Coordinator and Dean of Students.

• Noted positive interactions between Harris and students, particularly in her role as basketball bookkeeper.

• Acknowledged occasional profanity by Harris but did not consider it unusual.

• Initially reviewed a poor-quality recording in 2023; expressed shock upon clearly hearing the recording during the hearing.

• Described Harris’s earlier explanation as an attempt to educate students about the dangers of sending inappropriate images to inmates.

— Joanna Lobaugh

Assistant Superintendent

• Conducted initial investigations in March 2023.

• Initially reviewed a poor-quality audio recording; found the clear version presented during the hearing significantly disturbing.

• Noted Harris’s explanation centered on educating students about the risks of financial interactions with older men.

• Emphasized corrective actions taken in response to Harris’s inappropriate comments and confirmed involvement by Title IX investigator Caleb.

— Steven Lobaugh

Former High School Principal

• Conducted teacher evaluations with positive outcomes for Harris.

• Confirmed no prior knowledge of allegations during his tenure, although noted similar allegations emerged in the current academic year.

— District Witnesss Testimonies Briley Jarvis

• Provided testimony about Harris making inappropriate comments regarding a student’s physical appearance, causing discomfort among classmates.

— Samariah Husman

• Offered pivotal testimony, including a recorded conversation substantiating claims against Harris.

• Expressed feeling “uncomfortable” due to Harris’s behavior, describing it as potentially “grooming.”

• Reported incidents to school administration and eventually to law enforcement.

— Administrative Response

Harris was placed on paid administrative leave pending investigation. Although initial allegations in a prior investigation were reportedly considered “unfounded,” subsequent allegations triggered further investigation, culminating in a recommendation for Harris’s immediate dismissal.

— School District’s Stance

Acting Superintendent LuVonna Copeland supported the dismissal recommendation, citing violations of school policies and Oklahoma State Department of Education standards. Copeland stressed the district’s expectation for teachers to maintain professional boundaries, avoid exploitative behavior and uphold policies strictly prohibiting sexual harassment.

Harris’s attorney questioned the interpretation of the remarks, suggesting potential misunderstandings or misinterpretations by students unfamiliar with certain terminology. Lane argued Harris was attempting to build rapport and educate students, albeit possibly misguidedly, and attempted to discredit student testimonies by implying misunderstandings or exaggerations.

The district’s representative firmly asserted Harris’s comments were explicit, inappropriate, and violated school policies. The attorney highlighted the clarity of audio evidence and consistency of student testimonies, emphasizing that Harris’s conduct was devoid of educational merit and posed significant safety and trust issues within the school environment.

— Procedural Compliance & Decision

The board verified adherence to due process, ensuring transparency and fairness throughout the proceedings. After careful deliberation, considering extensive testimonies and presented evidence, the school board voted 3-to-1 for Harris’s immediate dismissal. Board President Leroy Parker cast the single dissenting vote.