Parents divided after former Owasso teacher resigns following viral TikTok videos

OWASSO, Okla. — A TikTok posted by a now former Owasso 8th grade teacher is getting national attention for his pro-LGBTQ stance.

However, some parents are upset about his comments. The controversy comes as a proposed law limiting sex education in schools moves through the Oklahoma Capitol.

The now-viral TikTok has been viewed more than 200,000 times. It’s one that captured the attention of U.S. Senate candidate Jackson Lahmeyer, who called Tyler Wrynn a “predator,” in a social media post. That comment is not setting well with parents who support the former teacher.

Parents who didn’t want to go on camera say Wrynn taught language arts and was considered as a “safe haven” for LGBTQ students. Other parents are vocal about disliking Wrynn and called some of his TikTok videos inappropriate.

FOX23 reached out to Owasso Public Schools to ask about Wrynn’s employment. In a statement, the district said, “Tyler Wrynn is no longer in the classroom and the Board of Education accepted his resignation on April 11 at its regular monthly meeting. As this is a personnel issue, we are unable to provide further comment.”

FOX23 also asked about the district’s social media policy for teachers and staff members. We were sent two excerpts from the staff handbook that said in part, “staff members are expected to refrain from comments or statements, in reference to race, color, sex, pregnancy, gender, gender expression, or identity.”

Some parents expressed they’re upset about the language used in some of TikToks. Parents have been vocal online on both in support and against what the former teacher posted. We’re still working to talk with some of those parents when they’re ready. Wrynn says he’s not ready to publicly comment at this time.

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