Shelby County Schools are the only public schools in Tennessee that have not resumed in-person learning. The school districts Office of Equity and Access (whatever the heck that is) also weighed in on the situation. Do not send us confidential information until you speak with us and receive authorization to do so. Memphis, TN. Office Phone: 901-416-4540 Learn how your comment data is processed. MEMPHIS, Tenn. The head of the Memphis and Shelby County teacher's union is reacting to a controversial video made by the principal of Cordova High School. The social media giants have collectively seen $51.2 billion in combined market value wiped out over the last two trading sessions since they banned Trump from their platforms. The audio of Thorne's remarks, which. 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. All Rights Reserved. I want you to understand the problem thats going to face you and your generation if there is no longer a marketplace, a free exchange of ideas., You may be in agreement with the people who are doing the filtering, but its just one moment away from somebody else being able to filter you. Full-time Teacher, Tasheba Crane (Head Coach) Your email address will not be published. School Principal Suspended for Talking to Students About Big Tech Censorship, Copyright Policy and Infringement Notification. Principal Barton Thorne was suspended in mid-January by administrators for Shelby County Schools, the school district that governs Cordova High School. Suhr said the school needs to make up for damages against Thornes reputation. Office Phone: 901-416-4540 And Shelby County Schools silenced him for that.Thornes message to his students is something everyone should take to heart: Be aware, be in the loop as far as whats going on. During his presidency, Trump had pushed for abolishing Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act to remove liability protections enjoyed by social media platforms. Full-time Teacher, Tracy Ratliff (Assistant Coach) Weve got a pretty simple ask: we want him to be not just restored to his job, but restored to his reputation. According to the lawsuit, Thorne usually delivers a weekly speech to students to educate and inspire them. The school districts Office of Equity and Access (whatever the heck that is) also weighed in on the situation. Barton Thorne, the principal of Cordova High School near Memphis, Tennessee, was briefly suspended (cancelled) after he stood up to the cancel culture dominating social media. Full-time Teacher These messages inspire, educate, inform, and challenge his high school students. Weve got a pretty simple ask: we want Principal Thorne to be not just restored to his job, but restored to his reputation. This article by Nicole Wells was published January 27, 2023 on newsmax.com. The principal of a Tennessee high school has been placed on paid administrative leave after he made comments about free speech to students during a virtual announcement. Office Phone: 901-415-4540 This isnt about Trump, he said. The taxpayers and parents in Memphis should be celebrating the fact that Principal Thorne is running Cordova High School as a place to educate kids, not indoctrinate kids. One of the more disturbing aspects of Principal Thornes suspension was that his message was in full compliance with Tennessees standards for teaching social studies to high school students. This article by Nicole Wells was published January 27, 2023 on newsmax.com. But every American should be concerned about a cultural trend to get rid of voices that disagree with popular viewpoints.Cancel culture isnt just stopping hate speech, its silencing legitimate speech protected by the First Amendment. The day after his message, Shelby County Schools placed Thorne on administrative leave. Principal Thorne used this moment to talk to his students about the importance of free speech in a democratic society. San Fran Whole Foods Flagship Made 568 Emergency Calls Over 13 Months Before Closing, Brave Search Dumps Bing Bringing Indie Engines Back, Shen Yun Wows Audiences at Stamford, CT: It Was Magical, Regulators Seize First Republic Bank, Sell It to JP Morgan Chase in Attempt to Prevent Further Banking Turmoil. For sharing this message with his students, Principal Thorne was subjected to a professional misconduct complaint and internal disciplinary investigation. And not whether or not you agree or disagree with the people being filtered, but can this happen to you one day?. Do not send us confidential information until you speak with us and receive authorization to do so. Instead his message was about censorship, silencing of voices, and the dangers of a select group being able to dictate what, if any, speech that happens; this time being Big Tech. According to the lawsuit, Thorne usually delivers a weekly speech to students to educate and inspire them. Email: mail_hide("186439", "casemt", 0, "gro.21kscs") Email: mail_hide("215528", "smithcolemana", 0, "gro.21kscs") "This isn't about Trump," he said. Wimberly took to Twitter to announce his dismissal from Cordova. Office Phone: 901-416-4540 Twitter two days later permanently suspended Trumps account over two posts it cited as having violated its policies. Full-time Teacher, Steven Havrda (Assistant Coach) Linda A. Moore covers education, South Memphis and Whitehaven. Please take a moment to view this . 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. And hopefully, the school district will do that, and then we can bring this case to a close. Daniel Suhr, Liberty Justice Center senior attorney. "I'm not going to tell you what to think, I just want to help you think," he told students on a video that was later posted on YouTube. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. The principal of a Tennessee high school has been placed on paid administrative leave after he made comments about free speech to students during a virtual announcement. Theres only one way to fight back and thats by subscribing to my FREE weekly newsletter. Full-time Teacher, John Calley (Assistant Coach) They further constitute a breach of Principal Thornes employment contract.. Thorne drew comparisons to the Branch Davidian standoff in Waco, Texas as an example of a group being singled out for their beliefs. Principal Thorne was put on administration leave January 12. Office Phone: 901-416-4800 Office Phone: 901-416-4545 I dont care what side you agree with, we dont practice sedition, we dont attack our legislature.. What makes those types of systems possible is the restriction and the elimination of the free exchange of ideas., READ: Principal SUSPENDED for warning students about cancel culture: The elimination of the free exchange of ideas. Attorneys for Principal Barton Thorne claim his right to free speech was violated after he tried teaching a lesson to his students about free speech. HUNT VALLEY, Md. Shelby County Schools Cordova High School Barton Thorne Steve Mulroy. The logos of multinational American Internet companies are seen on a computer screen in Lille, France, on Oct 21, 2020. Full-time Teacher, John Calley (Assistant Coach) And this isnt about Trump, Im not getting into that, this is about speech, because there have been times even in American history where a small group of people decided what you can hear. 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. Email: mail_hide("212222", "franklincn", 0, "gro.21kscs") The comments came a few days after the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, after which Facebook and Twitter suspended President Trumps accounts, and Google, Apple and Amazon Web Services de-platformed the social media app Parler, which was popular among conservatives. Virginia parents argue school ambassador program is discriminatory. Email: mail_hide("216156", "ratlifftn", 0, "gro.21kscs") Thorne is suing his school district and its superintendent for the suspension. He also referenced McCarthyism, as well as a standoff between federal agents and the Branch Davidians in Waco, Texas during the 1990s. Clara Barton Elementary. Apparently, defending free speech is a big no-no in Shelby County Schools. Disclaimer: The materials contained in this website are for informational purposes and are not to be considered advertising or legal advice. Its shocking and disappointing that I was removed from my job for speaking with students about the First Amendment, Principal Thorne said. Think about McCarthyism think about totalitarian governments, think of North Korea, think of China. Full-time Teacher, Chance Talley (Assistant Coach) Follow THEWHISKEYCOWBOY.COM on WordPress.com. See the full transcript of his message. During his over 9-minute-long video comments, Thorne expressed concerns about times in American history where a small group of people decided what you can hear, according to atranscriptprovided by the Liberty Justice Center. And so, if they can do that to a minorityor if they can do that to a powerful voice, it doesnt have to be a minoritywhat will stop them one day from doing that to you?, So, anyway, think about that. . . In each class, program and pathway of study, students are being shaped into good citizens, critical thinkers, effective communicators and lifelong learners. 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. Office Phone: 901-416-4540 What happens when you do not have dissenting opinions, when you do not have an exchange on competing ideashow do you know if your ideas can stand on their own if there is no marketplace of ideas? he said. Instead of punishing Principal Thorne he should be given a pay raise and a certificate of merit. Email: mail_hide("209514", "lewistj", 0, "gro.21kscs") Thorne said he was not making those comments because he favored Parler or Trump or anybody else who is being banned., The lawsuit alleges the school district directed Thorne not to talk to media even though the SCS policies permit employees to talk to media in their individual capacity.. Staff information for the 2022-2023 school year is displayed as it is entered/verified by Cordova High School administration. Read More Most recent Full-time Teacher, Member of Division I, Region 8, District 17, Section 4, Chautara Franklin (Head Coach) Barton Thorne's comments on big tech, Donald Trump, McCarthyism and Branch Davidians companies have are under scrutiny from Shelby County Schools officials. Six weeks after he was placed on leave, he filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against the district and Superintendent Joris Ray. What happens when you do not have dissenting opinions, when you do not have an exchange of competing ideas? he told students. Office Phone: 901-416-4540 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. After more than a month, and even after the Liberty Justice Center had reached out to the school district multiple times, Thorne had heard very little from school officials and had no resolution to his case. Full-time Teacher, Steven Havrda (Assistant Coach) In addition to allegations of first and 14th amendment violations, the lawsuit claims the SCS is in breach of Thornes employment contract. SCSs actions violate Principal Thornes First and Fourteenth Amendment rights by subjecting him to viewpoint discrimination. Shelby County Schools. Full-time Teacher, Keith Setler (Head Coach) An equity officer for the school also gave an interview to the news about Thorne. Full-time Teacher, Michael Case (Assistant Coach) To schedule an interview, contact Kristen Williamson at[emailprotected]or 773-809-4403. Office Phone: 901-416-4540, Josh Beard (Assistant Principal) Imagine that a public school administrator who is teaching kids to think for themselves. Email: mail_hide("212946", "havrdass", 0, "gro.21kscs") Office Phone: 901-416-4540 After the Jan. 6 Capitol attack, Thorne gave a similar speech (in a virtual classroom). After the tragic and disturbing events of January 6, 2021, our country experienced a teachable moment around the importance of free speech and the dangers of cancel culture and deplatforming as social media moderators reacted to the content of various accounts. The video addressed the dangers of the Big Tech Giants censoring speech. Barton Thorne, the principal of Cordova High School, told students during morning announcements that they needed to be aware of the censorship happening on social media. According to the lawsuit, Thorne says SCS violated his first and 14th amendment rights. Thorne, who's been principal at Cordova High School for about three years reportedly made the remarks during the video, which went out to Cordova High students. But the irony is that by doing this, another small group of people tried to silence HIM, and punished him for daring to speak truth. Office Phone: 901-416-4540 Thornes suit says the message was even in line with resources the superintendent recommended for teaching students about the Capitol riot and its aftermath. 3:50 The principal of Cordova High School in Memphis, Tennessee, is suing his school district and its superintendent for suspending him after he taught students about big tech censorship in the wake of the January 6 riot on Capitol Hill. We need more principals like that in America. Because Cordova is like the City of Memphis, its made up of a salad bowl of many different students of all areas of Memphis.. Email: mail_hide("212213", "scalestr", 0, "gro.21kscs") Linda A. Moore. Thorne shared concerns about big tech companies ability to control information on their platforms during a Jan. 11 weekly homeroom video message to students and staff at Cordova High School in Tennessee. Barton Thorne, the principal of Cordova High School near Memphis, Tennessee, was briefly suspended (cancelled) after he stood up to the cancel culture dominating social media. 1800 Berryhill Rd Cordova, TN 38016 Physical Address: 1800 Berryhill Rd Cordova, TN 38016 Shipping Address: 1800 Berryhill Rd Cordova, TN 38016 Phone: 901-416-4540 Fax: 901-416-4545 Principal Phone: 901-416-2001 AD Phone: 901-416-4540 Grand Division: West Athletic District: 9 County: Shelby Type: Public Enrollment (Actual): 1933 Email: mail_hide("216157", "ratlifftn", 0, "gro.21kscs") Office Phone: 901-416-7470, Barton Thorne (Principal) Non-faculty, Torrey Lewis (Assistant Coach) Phone 951-736-4545 | Fax 951-736-4538. He was also critical of the riot in the Capitol. One of our most misunderstood freedoms has the principal of Cordova High School in hot water tonight. Shelby County Schools (SCS) violated Mr. Thorne's First Amendment and contractual rights by placing him on administrative leave for teaching his students classic American principles on free speech and democratic self-government. Im taking action because I meant what I said: Free speech is critically important and is under threat. Full-time Teacher, Ashley Smithcoleman (Assistant Coach) Barton Thorne is a career educator who currently serves as principal of Cordova High School for Shelby County Schools (SCS). He warned that cancel culture is taking foot in America and that he will never stand for it. Copyright 2023 Liberty Justice Center. Barton Thorne, until recently the principal of Cordova High School in Memphis, Tennessee, was suspended after speaking to students about the dangers of big tech censorship. Office Phone: 901-416-4540 Classified Employee, Johnny Stuckey (Head Coach) Thorne was placed on administrative leave in mid-January after speaking to students and staff about freedom of speech with regard to major social media platforms removing or blocking posts from then-President Donald Trump and some of his supporters. Three Loudoun County parents say the school districts student ambassador program, meant to combat systemic racism, discriminates against students based on their race and viewpoints. subjected to an internal disciplinary investigation, Newsmax: Daniel Suhr and former ASU student Tim Tizon discuss appeal of unlawful conviction, Former ASU Student Appeals Conviction for Distributing Constitution- Newsmax, New Lawsuit: Albuquerque vote to give taxpayer funds to Planned Parenthood violates New Mexico Constitution, Virginias Discriminatory Ambassador Program Courthouse News Service. [I]n democracies, we talk about the marketplace of ideas. This is about speech.. Corona-Norco Unified School District held it's annual History Day at Roosevelt High School. There have been times even in American history when a small group of people decided what you can hear, he said. In Florida, lawmakers have put forward a proposal to penalize social media companies that ban political candidates during elections. Principal Thornes message to his students took no political position. Three Loudoun County parents say the school districts student ambassador program, meant to combat systemic racism, discriminates against students based on their race and viewpoints. Thorne v. Shelby County Board of Education, Liberty Justice Centers Demand Letter to Shelby County Schools, Newsmax: Daniel Suhr and former ASU student Tim Tizon discuss appeal of unlawful conviction, Former ASU Student Appeals Conviction for Distributing Constitution- Newsmax, New Lawsuit: Albuquerque vote to give taxpayer funds to Planned Parenthood violates New Mexico Constitution, Virginias Discriminatory Ambassador Program Courthouse News Service, in democracies, we talk about the marketplace of ideas. Duquesne University (2007), James Vinson (Assistant Coach) 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. 2023 Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association, Division I, Class 4A, Region 8, District 15, Division I, Region 8, District 17, Section 4, Division I, Class AAA, Region 8, District 15, Division I, Class AA, Region 8, District 16. 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. Well, what happens when the marketplace of ideas becomes a forced monopoly? At a recent Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), former President Trump, who Twitter and Facebook banned following the Jan. 6 incident, said that big tech firms should face penalties if they continue to censor conservative opinions. It is not always pleasant to hear things that you might disagree with or discover that someone holds an opposing position. Email: mail_hide("209511", "weaveri", 0, "gro.21kscs") Three Loudoun County parents say the school districts student ambassador program, meant to combat systemic racism, discriminates against students based on their race and viewpoints. Thorne v. Shelby County Board of Education, Newsmax: Daniel Suhr and former ASU student Tim Tizon discuss appeal of unlawful conviction, Former ASU Student Appeals Conviction for Distributing Constitution- Newsmax, New Lawsuit: Albuquerque vote to give taxpayer funds to Planned Parenthood violates New Mexico Constitution, Virginias Discriminatory Ambassador Program Courthouse News Service. Think about totalitarian government. Office Phone: 901-416-4540 What makes those types of systems possible is the restriction and elimination of the free exchange of ideas.. Email: mail_hide("209509", "beardj1", 0, "gro.21kscs") What makes those types of systems possible is the restriction and elimination of the free exchange of ideas.. Thorne is asking for unspecified damages. Twitter, Facebook, Google, and Apple, are so powerful, and they have unilaterally made a decision of what you can and cannot see on their platforms, thats a major issue and I want you to understand that. Barton Thorne, the principal of Cordova High School, told students during morning announcements that they needed to be aware of the censorship happening on social media. Principal . This article by Joe Dodson was published December 8, 2022 on courthousenews.com. Full-time Teacher, John Calley (Assistant Coach) Every Monday morning, Cordova High Schools daily announcement video features a principals minute where Thorne shares messages to inspire, educate, inform and challenge his high school students with broad themes and life advice from their principal. Office Phone: 901-415-4540 Full-time Teacher, Ashley Smithcoleman (Assistant Coach) Office Phone: 901-416-4800 But every American should be concerned about a cultural trend to get rid of voices that disagree with popular viewpoints. If enacted, the platforms will be fined $100,000 per day for every day the candidate is blocked. Email: mail_hide("207974", "vandaslynch", 0, "moc.liamg") Home; About Us" Administrators; Family & Community Engagement . What happens when the marketplace of ideas becomes a forced monopoly? In his video, Thorne expressed concerns about times in American history where a small group of people decided what you can hear. HUNT VALLEY, Md. Think about China. And Shelby County Schools silenced him for that. Thornes suspension had resulted from a complaint from one or several unknown SCS employees, parents, or students, according to the lawsuit. That was ignorance at the highest level, he said in response to the U.S. Capitol incident. He should be saluted for educating the kids at Cordova High School instead of indoctrinating them. Office Phone: 901-416-4540 Terms under which this service is provided to you, California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information, The Debt Ceiling Is About to Crash, And Mr. Magoo Is Behind the Wheel, Shut Down the Border or Shut Down Democrat Cities, The Military's Job Is Simple, but the Biden Administration Seems Awfully Confused About It, Hunter Finally Appears in Child Support Case, Judge Blasts Him for Concealing Income, Ireland about to execute free speech as in "kill it off permanently", Chris Coons Bends Over Backwards to Defend Joe Biden Running for Reelection, MSNBC Show Host Mocking Conservative Justices Speaks Right to Alito's Point. Email: mail_hide("212220", "cooperc1", 0, "gro.21kscs") Office Phone: 901-416-4540 Suspended Cordova High School principal files lawsuit against district - News Channel 3 Memphis . Email: mail_hide("209512", "burnsc1", 0, "gro.21kscs") (SBG) High school principal Barton Thorne, who was suspended last month over comments he made about free speech in the wake of the Capitol riot, is returning to work for the first time in six weeks. Read More About History Day 2023. clear. According to the lawsuit, Thornes remarks were in his principals message thats part of a weekly announcements video. Barton Thorne, Principal, Cordova High School Transcript of Remarks to Cordova High School Students and Staff January 11, 2021 The thing I want to talk about, that's happened recently, and I never from my years of teaching and administration, I do not get into religion and I do not get into politics with my students. Barton Thorne. Giving the example of McCarthyism, the principal encouraged students to Google about the issue or ask their social studies teacher. Thursday Farm Market. In an interview with The Epoch Times, Paxton pointed out that since these companies can decide who to allow and ban on their platforms, there is no other choice but to regulate them to maintain fairness. Barton Thorne is principal of Cordova High School. Full-time Teacher, Charles Cooper (Head Coach) Board member Sheleah Harris, whose district includes Cordova High School, commented on the principals suspension, saying the allegations are extremely unfortunate and do not reflect the true value of the school. We have to be aware and at a heightened sense. As leaders, we must be intentional about creating spaces for our students to discuss and process events that take place in our country and community.. Office Phone: 901-416-4540 Spend EBT/SNAP - get $2 free for $2 spent $20 worth for only $10) Spend $10 cash, get free $5 Hip2B Healthy Coupon ($15 for only $10) Spend at least $5 - get FREE diapers. Tennessee Principal Barton Thorne was suspended by Shelby County School administrators in January after speaking with his students about the dangers of cancel culture.I want you to understand the problem thats going to face you and your generation if there is no longer a marketplace, a free exchange of ideas, he told them, urging the students to engage in respectful conversations with those who hold differing opinions. What sort of fruit salad nonsense is the Office of Equity and Access? It is currently still unclear who instigated the breach.

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