The Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) has applied to revoke a Moore Public Schools (MPS) teacher’s license who resigned on Nov. 15 after the school notified authorities of inappropriate conversations between him and an 8th-grade student.
While still employed as an MPS teacher and track coach, Nicholas Garrison allegedly used the social media app Snapchat to contact a teenage student with romantic messages, according to the OSDE complaint obtained by NonDoc.
“Garrison, using ‘coach garrison’ as his Snapchat profile name, can be seen in a number of the photos and messages sent to the student, which appear to have been sent across multiple days,” OSDE stated. “Based upon the information and evidence presented, and the foregoing authority, proper cause exists to suspend the Teaching Certificate … of Nicholas Garrison.”
The complaint showed Garrison allegedly Snapchatting the female student several romantic messages, including: “I knowwwww you’re probably asleep or hanging out but I drank a few things and I just wanted to say damn I’m jealous I’m not 16-17 and could try to date you lol soreyyyyy.”
And: “Ohh seriously? You don’t even need it tbh I’m sure it makes you look even better though And I KNOW people just say that but I actually mean it. You don’t need it.”
ODSE said Garrison also tried to meet up with the student in a separate message. “If you guys do let me know because I will come and hangout with you and [name of another student], if not I’ll just stay home. I miss you already 🙁 can’t wait to see you tomorrow,” he said, according to the complaint.
ICYMI — Moore Public Schools teacher resigns, investigated for Snapchats to 8th grader https://t.co/M2HtRQHiQg
— NonDoc (@nondocmedia) December 8, 2022
Garrison, the son of Moore’s mayor and previous Altus Public School teacher Robert Garrison, served as a Central Junior High School U.S. History and Government teacher and track coach for four years before resigning on Nov. 15. (RELATED: New Federal Regulation Could Devastate Coastal Communities)
In a statement to the Daily Caller, MPS said they contacted the police about Garrison one day before he tendered his resignation. “On Nov. 14, 2022, Moore Public Schools received an allegation of inappropriate contact between a Central Junior High School teacher and a student. We immediately contacted the police, and the teacher submitted a letter of resignation,” the statement read.
Moore Police Department (MPD) is handling the investigation into Garrison’s messages with the female student, according to the MPS statement, adding that the school system has also notified the OSDE legal team of the situation.
“The safety and security of Moore Public Schools’ students and employees is our foremost concern, and MPS school officials will continue to assist the Moore Police Department in their investigation of this matter,” MPS stated.
Acting State Superintendent Ryan Walters told the Daily Caller the state is wholly invested in protecting Oklahoma children from harm. “Our teachers have an extremely important role in the lives of our kids,” Walters said. “We will explore every action needed from the state to protect each and every kid. Behavior like this is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”
The Moore Police Department has not responded to the Daily Caller’s request for comment.