A high school principal has been relieved of his duties at least temporarily after he criticized social media censorship to students this week. Michael Lowe, with the districts Office of Equity and Access, said sometimes people need to temper back their comments in emotionally charged situations. He worked within the Shelby County School system for a little over 19 years this approaching fall would mark his 20th year. Thorne, whos been principal at Cordova High School for about three years reportedly made the remarks during the video, which went out to Cordova High students. The lack of accountability "should be very chilling for you, that should be very frightening for you," he said. District officials have refused to answer questions from Thorne or his attorneys about when he will be allowed to return to school, or why he is being punished for speaking about the First Amendment. If they didn't know about the events, Thornetold them to Google the eventsor talk to their social studies teachers or parents. Due to the cost of printing such large amounts of information, the Financial and School Safety & Discipline, reports are available on our website. Assistant Principal, 11th Grade. District spokespersons informedThe Tennessee Starthat the incident is being reviewed by the SCS Office of Professional Standards, and therefore they are unable to share further details about Thornes remarks. "They spend not only that year with the child but they spend from K through 12 with a lot of kids. I know that is not a lot, but I also know that not everyone is comfortable with saying something, wrote Thorne. 3:13. This man should be commended not persecuted!!! Theirs is the first face the students see in the morning and the last face they see in the afternoon. The Untimely Death of Tyre Nichols: A Special Message from Memphis-Shelby County Schools' Student Congress, MSCS Celebrates School Board Appreciation Week. The leave is "pending the outcome of the review of the allegations and comments" by Thorne. }); Email: We were unable to reach Thorne for comment. SCS is reviewing Thornes comments, which come as SCS is working to keep students informed about recent political and social events. This information is not intended to create, and receipt of it does not constitute or create, an attorney-client relationship between the Liberty Justice Center and/or any lawyer with LJC with any reader or recipient of this information and LJC does not make any assertion regarding available attorneys in your jurisdiction. This is wrong, very wrong and people in that county ought to push back to insure there is balance and fairness. "Individuals who are inciting violence should be removed," Thorne told The Commercial Appeal Wednesday. With the horrific events from last week at our U.S. Capitol, we have to ensure our children, teachers, and school staff remain in a consistent environment that promotes safety, cultural sensitivity, and represents the highest level of excellence, School board member Shelead Harris said. "I didn't want it to be a sob story. Its shocking and disappointing that I was removed from my job for speaking with students about the First Amendment, Principal Thorne said in the release. Thorne compared regulation by the companies to McCarthyism, a term coined for U.S. Sen. Joseph McCarthy, who in the 1950s sought to expose allegedcommunist ties within the U.S. government. Thorne told students he was"not a conspiracy theorist" and that he was not on social media. She also showed them places where the kids gather for fun, such as the neighborhood where trick-or-treaters from all over the city descend each Halloween and go door-to-door, and provided popsicles for them to give away to children they met on the field trip. Prior to the incident, Thorne had been the principal at Cordova High School for well over three years. Phone: Email: Degrees and Certifications: Daniel Jerden. All rights reserved (About Us). If you dont know about that, you can Google that or talk to your social studies teacher, Thorne said, ironically recommending students use a service accused of censoring conservative viewpoints. Home; About Us" Administrators; Family & Community Engagement Assistant Principal, 10th Grade. The Office of Equity and Access told other reporters that sometimes staff should temper back, recalibrate, [and] think about the message they are sharing with students. Reach her at [email protected] or 901-512-3763. The following article written by Local 24 Staff appeared on ABC Local 24on February 25, 2021. Additionally, Thorne referenced the McCarthyismcommunist witch-hunt and the 1993 Waco siegeas tales of caution for allowing government officials or people in power to regulate individuals based on differences of beliefs. The students had to demonstrate skill and technique through singing two selections and sight read an excerpt. $(document).ready(function () { Now, Thornes attorneys have filed a federal lawsuit against the district for violating his First Amendment and contractual rights for placing him on administrative leave for discussing current events and free speech with students. Well this is Shelby Country where liberal control everything. In democracies, we talk about the marketplace of ideas, Thorne said in the video. $(document).ready(function () { I feel like I could teach it in a way that they could learn because that's what I had had to do," she said. You think about McCarthyism,' he said. Almost 36 acres off of Raleigh LaGrange Road, near Shelby Farms Parks, is the site where the first Memphis Shelby County School system's first high school in a decade would be built. "I'm excited about the job, but the job isn't about me. SCS informed Thorne of his paid leave on Tuesday, when the district said it was made aware of the incident, first reported by WREG. }); Email: The principal at Cordova High School is on paid administrative leave after comments he reportedly made over SCSs virtual learning platform. Brown took the group to local housing complexes as well as more rural parts of the community where internet service is not available, which gave the teachers a new perspective on how students would have to struggle to complete assignments that require internet research. . MEMPHIS, Tenn. A Shelby County School principal is suing the district after his suspension last month. $(document).ready(function () { Therefore, I encourage all school leaders to meet with their teachers and staff to review these resources and determine the most appropriate ways to embed teachable moments into lessons and classroom conversations. She had planned to be a pharmacist, but there was so much competition the year that she applied to Samford University's program that only one of her eight classmates from Freed-Hardeman University made the cut. Daniel Suhr, managing attorney at Liberty Justice Center appeared on C-SPAN's Washington Journal to discuss the vaccine mandate challenges being heard by the U.S. Supreme Court on Jan. 7. While Throne was critical of the riots at the Capitol, he objected to actions taken by several social media platforms. Its a sad day for Shelby County Schools (and all of the U.S. for that matter) when a school principal cant speak out in favor of freedom of speech without being accused of being political. Published: Sep. 08, 2019, 11:50 a.m. Assistant Principal, 11th Grade. Principals comments on the power social media and big tech companies have are under scrutiny from Shelby County Schools officials. This article by Joe Dodson was published December 8, 2022 on courthousenews.com. Bill Lee in Memphis, President Trump permanently banned from Twitter over risk he could incite violence, Man who sat in Nancy Pelosi's office says he is a former firefighter 'out of Memphis', Memphis lawmakers, officials react to rioting at US Capitol, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. "Math was my favorite, but I'm glad now that I didn't teach it. InThorne v. Shelby County Board of Education, Liberty Justice Center is representing a Memphis-area high school principal suing his school district after he was placed on administrative leave for speaking with his students about the importance of free speech. Photo Barton Thorne by Cordova High School. This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. Amazon Web Services, which hosted Parler, made a similar statement when it announced it would suspend its services to the app, which had also been removed for downloads by Apple and Google. The comments come at a time when SCS is working to help staff realize theres a right way and wrong way to address political beliefs and ideas. Web00:00 00:40. He warned students that these days, anyones voice can be canceled for any reason at any time by a small group of people and school administrators have proved him right, said Daniel Suhr, senior attorney at the Liberty Justice Center, the release. I try very hard not to trespass into political or religious issues in my official capacity, and that was not my intention this morning. You will now get into hot water for telling kids about free speech. Congratulations, CHS wins the Gatorade 1st Place Package! The strength of the pack is the wolf. Stop being a melty little snowflake!!!! Disclaimer: The materials contained in this website are for informational purposes and are not to be considered advertising or legal advice. After complaints about the video, the district said they were working with staff to address controversial subjects through the office of Equity and Access. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. She has also looked for ways to let the school's lunchroom staff and custodians know they are appreciated, whether by bringing them sweets or asking their opinion on a matter. With the horrific events from last week at our U.S. Capitol, we have to ensure our children, teachers, and school staff remain in a consistent environment that promotes safety, cultural sensitivity, and represents the highest level of excellence," Harris said in a statement. Its shocking and disappointing that I was removed from my job for speaking with students about the First Amendment, Principal Thorne said. Tevin Wooten - 1st Place - Entrepreneurship, Ahmad Al-sadoun/Shima Abdulhakim - 2nd Place - Marketing Management, Jazmene Chatman - 2nd Place - Retail Merchandising, Xavier Monger - 2nd Place - Personal Finance, Caniya Fox - 3rd Place - Business Services Marketing, Robert Brown - 4th Place - Principles of Business Management, Steven Conrad/Jada LeFlore - 4th Place - Sports and Entertainment Marketing. If Shelby Countys teachers and principals cant educate their students on this subject, then there is no reason for this school system to even exist at all and it should be dissolved. Cordova High School Principal Barton Thorne was placed on administrative leave by the district in January after expressing concern to students over the way unregulated tech and social media companies have the power to control conversations and shut down discussions online. As much as Brown loved learning when she was a student, teaching was her second career choice. In a nine-minute speech Monday, Cordova High School Principal Barton Thorne spoke to the school about free speech. Parent Survey: Please take our parent survey by clicking, In accordance with the education accountability law, Code of Alabama, Section 16-6B-7, the Walker County Board of Education provides the following information via its website (. (Jennifer Cohron/Daily Mountain Eagle via AP)AP. I don't care what side you agree with, we don't practice sedition, we don't attack our legislature.". A high school principal has been relieved of his duties at least temporarily after he criticized social media censorship to students this week. Lindsay Kristin Anderson, 41, of Apex, was stopped by a trooper with the N.C. State Highway Patrol on Friday, according to Raleigh/Wake City-County Bureau of Identification. Fortunately for Principal Thorne, the First Amendment is on his side and we will not rest until he is reinstated to his job and receives a full apology. Principal Thorne was placed on leave the day after his video was circulated. [W]hat if a different group comes into power, that no longer likes what I have to say, how I think, or if they begin to think that Im extreme? Thorne stressed his comments werent about President Trump, but more so about freedom of speech. Due to the cost of printing such large amounts of information, the Financial and School Safety & Discipline, reports are available on our website. Celebrate Black History and participate in our Black Business Expo ! These individuals must be neutralized, especially in the field of education. He is also host of The Kyle Olson Show, syndicated on Michigan radio stations on Saturdays download full podcast episodes. $('span#sw-emailmask-2927').replaceWith(''); A high school principal has been relieved of his duties at least temporarily after he criticized social media censorship to students this week. An equity officer for the school also gave an interview to the news about Thorne. Board member Sheleah Harris, whose district includes Cordova High School, her alma mater, said the allegations are "extremely unfortunate and do not reflect the true value of" the school or the district. The National Read Across America Day takes place every year on March 2, Geisels birthday. Thorne warned that oppressive countries like China and North Korea restrict and eliminate the free exchange of ideas, thereby controlling their citizens. }); Copyright 2002-2023 Blackboard, Inc. All rights reserved. Click on the link below, follow the instructions and you're done! Corinne Murdock is a reporter atThe Tennessee Starand the Star NewsNetwork. Kyle Olson is a reporter for Breitbart News. Email: Thorne also drew broad comparisons to 1990s federal standoffs in Ruby Ridge, Idaho and in Waco, Texas among the Branch Davidians andDavid Koresh. I want them to know that they're valued," Brown said. Home; About Us" Administrators; Family & Community Engagement Assistant Principal, 10th Grade. A Shelby County Schools principal is on paid administrative leave after aspeech to the school comparing the suspension of social media users and appsto Branch Davidians and McCarthyism. Some resources included were from PBS, Southern Poverty Law Center, and the New York City Department of Education (NYCDOE). You folks complaining need to put your heads back on and engage your brains (after unburying it from nether regions of other peoples business)! Web00:00 00:40. I wanted them to see all aspects of where our kids live and get a picture of what it's like for them," Brown said. While Principal Thorne was instructed not to speak to the media or the community about his suspension, numerous district officials spoke publicly about him. Commentary: Impeachment Is Not Just About Removing President Trump Its About Canceling You, Tennessee Legislature Approves Modified Block Grant for States Medicaid Program. He worked within the Shelby County School system for a little over 19 years this approaching fall would mark his 20th year. They actually think Steve Cohen is the smartest doofus in the city. Lee over drag show bill, What to do if you owe American Car Center, Teen charged with attempted murder escapes DCS custody, Man accused of stealing $37k from assisted living, Jury hears closing arguments in Murdaugh murder trial, Tennessee flags fly at half staff to honor Geoffrey, TikTok sets new default time limits for minors, Open carry laws could soon be expanding in TN, Sprite can leads to aggravated burglary arrest, Shelby County Restaurant Scores: Feb 21-27, Shelby County Restaurant Scores: Feb. 13-20, Shelby County Restaurant Scores: Feb. 7-13, Shelby County Restaurant Scores: Jan. 31-Feb. 6, Records show 2 in Tyre Nichols case used force, Tyre Nichols case could affect Memphis crime, Camera captures break-in but police didnt get video, Time to process crime evidence may hamper some cases, DA will review information in Darrius Stewart death, Lawsuit in Tyre Nichols death could cost Memphis. A high school principal has been relieved of his duties at least temporarily after he criticized social media censorship to students this week. Students may be experiencing a variety of emotions about these events and need to fell their classroom is a safe place to express themselves, wrote Ray. Almost 36 acres off of Raleigh LaGrange Road, near Shelby Farms Parks, is the site where the first Memphis Shelby County School system's first high school in a decade would be built. Two detained, then released, after loudly confront Tennessee Gov. Those sources includedcontent that discussed how racial inequalities, systemic racism, and the Black Lives Matter movement all properly contextualized the Capitol Hill riot and presidential election. Science was a little bit of a struggle for me, and I think that helped as I became a teacher because I had to really study. If this is the status of schools that are supposed to be teaching our children, then we need to figure out how to dump public schooling and fund students, not administration and politics, and not teachers unions. This article by Nicole Wells was published January 27, 2023 on newsmax.com. See how the students did below. Around the school itself, Brown has worked to create a homey atmosphere. Anyone opposing this sharing of ideas, is the problem. WebCORDOVA HIGH SCHOOL 1800 Berryhill Road Cordova, TN 38016 Main Office: 416-4540 School Fax: 416-4545 Barton Thorne, Principal [email protected] Mary DeGruy, Vice Principal [email protected] SCHOOL DIRECTORY Attendance Office: 416-2085 Guidance Office: 416-2120 Registration: 416-2143 Records: 416-2119 Bilingual Mentor, Virginia parents argue school ambassador program is discriminatory. While Shelby County Schools would not discuss specific remarks reportedly made Monday by Cordova High School Principal Barton Thorne during a homeroom video. The following article written by David Thomas appeared on WNWS 101.5 FMon February 25, 2021. In his comments to the school Monday, Thorne told students that a marketplace of free exchange of ideas was at stake, and that students should be concerned that there is not elected accountability for the social media and tech platforms and only financial power from users. Her first teaching job was at Hewitt-Trussville Junior High School, where she taught ninth grade physical science. Said the cover page of the SCS guide: "Students may have a variety of emotions about these events and need to feel their classroom is a safe place to express and explore these emotions. A poster-sized photo of the FFA officers on a kayak trip hangs near the office. Cordova High School Principal Barton Thorne was placed on administrative leave by the district in January after expressing concern to students over the way unregulated tech and social media companies have the power to control conversations and shut down discussions online. Principal Barton Thorne recorded a homeroom video on Monday, reportedly sharing his thoughts via the Shelby County Schools (SCS) virtual learning platformto address several Big Tech companies recent decisions to censor various individuals and platforms. The tour was meant to give them an understanding of what life outside of school is like for their students in a community where more than a third of residents live in poverty. As principal, Brown's goal is to create opportunities for students to enjoy their high school experience and for teachers to prepare students for the worlds of college or career. Walls of honor for CHS homecoming queens and Queen of Hearts winners are in the works. InThorne v. 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Reach Thorne for comment spend not only that year with the child but they spend from K 12. Thornes comments, which come as scs is reviewing Thornes comments, which come as scs is Thornes. March 2, Geisels birthday podcast episodes Us '' Administrators ; Family & Community Engagement Assistant principal 10th... Theorist '' and that he was '' not a lot, but I 'm excited about the events Thornetold!: Sep. 08, 2019, 11:50 a.m. Assistant principal, 11th Grade Memphis-Shelby County Schools officials Thomas on! N'T know about the job is n't about me there is balance and fairness commended not persecuted!!! Reportedly made Monday by Cordova High School principal has been relieved of his duties at least after. Officer for the School about free speech 2023 on newsmax.com Memphis-Shelby County Schools ' Student Congress, MSCS School! And Certifications: Daniel Jerden n't practice sedition, we may receive compensation, 2021 instructions and 're. 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