Required fields are marked *. Shelby County Schools needs to acknowledge the damage to Principal Thornes reputation and make sure that students know that his message was both appropriate and right free speech is important in our society. Oct 2001 - Jun 201210 years 9 months. What happens when the marketplace of ideas becomes a forced monopoly? 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. 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. Barton Thorne is a career educator who currently serves as principal of Cordova High School for Shelby County Schools (SCS). Office Phone: 901-416-4540 These messages inspire, educate, inform, and challenge his high school students. Cordova High School; Cordova Middle Optional School; Craigmont High School; Craigmont Middle; Cromwell Elementary; Crump Elementary; Cummings K-8 Optional School; Delano Elementary; Dexter K-8 School; Double Tree Elementary; Douglass K-8; Downtown Elementary; Dunbar Elementary; E.E. Thorne is asking for unspecified damages. 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 Its shocking and disappointing that I was removed from my job for speaking with students about the First Amendment, Principal Thorne said. Full-time Teacher, Justin Lay (Head Coach) Office Phone: 901-416-4540 Email: mail_hide("209511", "weaveri", 0, "gro.21kscs") Office Phone: 901-416-4540 Non-Faculty Coaches and Classified Employees must take the NFHS "Fundamentals of Coaching" and "First Aid, Health, & Safety for Coaches" courses prior to coaching. Thorne is suing his school district and its superintendent for the suspension. Wimberly took to Twitter to announce his dismissal from Cordova. 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. As a career educator in a very diverse community, I have prided myself on fostering a school environment that is open-minded, accepting and welcoming everyone who comes through our doors. This article by Nicole Wells was published January 27, 2023 on newsmax.com. Apparently, defending free speech is a big no-no in Shelby County Schools. If enacted, the platforms will be fined $100,000 per day for every day the candidate is blocked. Principal Barton Thorne was suspended in mid-January by administrators for Shelby County Schools, the school district that governs Cordova High School. Office Phone: 901-416-4540 Barton Thorne is principal of Cordova High School. Principal Thorne was suspended from his job for preaching the virtues of free speech and tolerance. He said that consumers dont have the freedom to choose when it comes to social media, making it imperative that the government keeps them under control. Well, what happens when the marketplace of ideas becomes a forced monopoly? The logos of multinational American Internet companies are seen on a computer screen in Lille, France, on Oct 21, 2020. 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. Imagine that a public school administrator who is teaching kids to think for themselves. Suhr said the school needs to make up for damages against Thornes reputation. The time has come to break up big tech monopolies and restore fair competition Big tech giants like Twitter, Google, and Facebook should be punished with major sanctions whenever they silence conservative voices, Trump said in a speech. Office Phone: 901-416-4545 The focus was on helping his students think critically about how the position being taken by tech companies like Facebook and Twitter could impact their future and how it could impact free speech in the future. Over the last month, attorneys from the Liberty Justice Center have reached out to school officials numerous times to rectify the situation with no success. 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. Email: mail_hide("215114", "wilkersona2", 0, "gro.21kscs") 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. He pointed out that American history is rife with examples of small groups of people deciding what others should hear. Here's What the Left's Coming for Now. In his remarks, Principal Thorne expressed concern about the ways social media companies are shutting down debate on critical issues of the day and encouraged students to talk with their parents or teachers about the ramifications of these actions on the First Amendment and free speech. It is currently still unclear who instigated the breach. Click here. Virginia parents argue school ambassador program is discriminatory. MEMPHIS, Tenn. On the surface, it might seem that Cordova High School principal Barton Thorne being placed on paid administrative leave for something he said is extreme and much ado about . HUNT VALLEY, Md. Former Arizona State Student Appeals Conviction for Distributing Constitution Copies Liberty Justice Center filed an appeal on behalf of a former Arizona State University student who was convicted of trespassing when he handed To schedule an interview, contact Chloe Edwards at. 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. Email: mail_hide("186438", "setlerkr", 0, "gro.21kscs") Thankfully, theyre letting Principal Thorne back into the school and return to do what he loves, which is teach his students, Suhr said. Learn how your comment data is processed. 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.. And not whether or not you agree or disagree with the people being filtered, but can this happen to you one day?. Principal Barton Thorne was suspended in mid-January by administrators for Shelby County Schools, the school district that governs Cordova High School. Former Arizona State Student Appeals Conviction for Distributing Constitution Copies Liberty Justice Center filed an appeal on behalf of a former Arizona State University student who was convicted of trespassing when he handed To schedule an interview, contact Chloe Edwards at. Shelby County Schools is the largest public school district in Tennessee and is one of the 25 largest nationwide. You think about McCarthyism, he said, according to the network. His lawyers point out that Thorne never compromised any ethics code for teachers and that his suspension violated the school districts procedures. Office Phone: 901-416-4540 To schedule an interview, contact Kristen Williamson at[emailprotected]or 773-809-4403. There have been times even in American history when a small group of people decided what you can hear, he said. Office Phone: 901-416-4540 Jeter K-8 School; Emotionally charged situations, we have to sometimes temper back, recalibrate, think about the message were sending to our student, spokesman Michael Lowe told the television station. 1. 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. Principal Barton Thorne is on. He also criticized the Capitol riot, calling it ignorance at the highest level. He said that no matter what side you agree with, one should not practice sedition or attack the legislature. Duquesne University (2007), James Vinson (Assistant Coach) - This is about speech.. The following article written by Brooke Conrad appeared on ABC4 News on February 26, 2021. Full-time Teacher, Member of Division I, Class AAA, Section 4, James Vinson (Head Coach) I dont care what side you agree with, we dont practice sedition, we dont attack our legislature.. Shelby County Schools Cordova High School Barton Thorne Steve Mulroy. 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. 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. Full-time Teacher, John Calley (Assistant Coach) Full-time Teacher, Tasheba Crane (Head Coach) Arvind is a recluse who prefers staying far away from the limelight as possible. Think about totalitarian government. 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. When asked for comment, Shelby County Schools said it does not comment on pending litigation.. Instead of punishing Principal Thorne he should be given a pay raise and a certificate of merit. (03/07/21) - Barton Thorne, Principal at Cordova High School in Tennessee was suspended from his job for making a video and sharing it with students and staff. Full-time Teacher, Terrance Scales (Head Coach) Is SCOTUS About to Annihilate the Administrative State? The principal has retained legal counsel from the Liberty Justice Center, a national public interest law firm that defends constitutional rights. The strength of the wolf is the pack. Welcome Home. 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. The suit however, will not be dropped. Full-time Teacher, Chris Burns (Assistant Coach) What happens when the marketplace of ideas becomes a forced monopoly. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Suhr told Sinclair his firm had reached out to the school district several times before filing the suit, but the school never responded in a substantive way.. 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. John Dowtin cried when Barton Thorne, the principal at Cordova, officially offered him to become the school's football coach. While Principal Thorne was instructed not to speak to the media or the community about his suspension, numerous district officials spoke publicly about him. Office Phone: 901-416-4540 document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Home; About Us" Administrators; Family & Community Engagement . Office Phone: 901-416-4540, Michael Case (Athletic Director) This article by Joe Dodson was published December 8, 2022 on courthousenews.com. SHOOTING IT STRAIGHT NEWS / VIEWS / REVIEWS, Your email address will not be published. . 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. 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.. An equity officer for the school also gave an interview to the news about Thorne. Barton Thorne is principal of Cordova High School. 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? Principal Barton Thorne. MEMPHIS, Tenn. (Feb. 25, 2021) A Memphis-area high school principal is suing his school district after he was placed on administrative leave for speaking with his students about the importance of free speech. Email: mail_hide("215108", "sikesd", 0, "gro.21kscs") Im 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. Principal Thornes experience is a frightening example of this trend. Full-time Teacher, Ashley Smithcoleman (Assistant Coach) In a statement, Thorne stressed that free speech is under threat and that he will neither be silenced nor would he allow a students voice to be marginalized just because he puts forward a reasonable point of view. Phone: Email: Degrees and Certifications: 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. Read More Most recent Thorne further referenced totalitarian governments, like North Korea and China.. Email: mail_hide("212214", "cartermt", 0, "gro.21kscs") India Weaver (System Athletic Director) Email: mail_hide("212216", "cranet", 0, "gro.21kscs") Thornes suit alleges SCS officials told him to remain silent while the district criticized him in the media. Principal Thornes message to his students took no political position. The audio of Thorne's remarks, which. I look forward to my next endeavor! Barton Thorne is the principal at Cordova High School in the Memphis-area, a high school that serves a diverse community including many low-income and minority students. 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. Principal Thorne has been with Shelby County Schools (SCS) for nearly two decades, dedicating his career to helping the families and students within his community. On Jan. 25, Thornes lawyers sent a letter to SCS demanding that they publicly apologize for suggesting that he had done something inappropriate and immediately reinstate him. Topics Shelby County Schools Barton Thorne Cordova High School Steve Mulroy University of Memphis Linda A. Moore Linda A. Moore covers education, South Memphis and Whitehaven. Office Phone: 901-416-4540 Thorne is suing his school district and its superintendent for the suspension. Barton Thorne. Email: mail_hide("212944", "havrdass", 0, "gro.21kscs") Email: mail_hide("215528", "smithcolemana", 0, "gro.21kscs") Apparently, defending free speech is a big no-no in Shelby County Schools. He should be saluted for educating the kids at Cordova High School instead of indoctrinating them. He also claims the district inflicted intentional and negligent emotional distress and caused significant damage to his reputation. If you dont know about that, you can Google that or talk to your social studies teacher.. Even though he has his job back, the case will continue, Suhr said. Office Phone: 901-416-4540 Full-time Teacher, Dustin Sikes (Assistant Coach) Office Phone: 901-416-4540 CORDOVA HIGH SCHOOL 1800 Berryhill Road Cordova, TN 38016 Main Office: 416-4540 School Fax: 416-4545 Barton Thorne, Principal thornebl@scsk12.org Mary DeGruy, Vice Principal degruymm@scsk12.org SCHOOL DIRECTORY Attendance Office: 416-2085 Guidance Office: 416-2120 Registration: 416-2143 Records: 416-2119 Bilingual Mentor, Ivan Borgos - 416-2145 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 day after his message, Shelby County Schools placed Thorne on administrative leave. . We write on behalf of our client, Barton Thorne, the principal of Cordova High School. 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. After sharing his message, the lawsuit says the principal was the subject of a professional misconduct complaint and internal disciplinary investigation. What makes those types of systems possible is the restriction and elimination of the free exchange of ideas.. The school district here, I think, has an obligation to apologize to Mr. Thorne and really to explain to students that what he said was appropriate and right that free speech is important in our society, Suhr said. In addition to allegations of first and 14th amendment violations, the lawsuit claims the SCS is in breach of Thornes employment contract. Cordova High School The strength of the pack is the wolf. [I]n democracies, we talk about the marketplace of ideas. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton believes that big tech companies should be regulated, like how governments regulate utility companies. According to the lawsuit, Thorne usually delivers a weekly speech to students to educate and inspire them. That was ignorance at the highest level, he said in response to the U.S. Capitol incident. Culturally aware? 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. Clara Barton Elementary. 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 . According to the lawsuit, Thorne usually delivers a weekly speech to students to educate and inspire them. After a few anonymous complaints were lodged, Principal Thorne was subjected to an internal disciplinary investigation and placed on leave for almost two months without any resolution to his case. 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. 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. Suspended Cordova High School principal files lawsuit against district - News Channel 3 Memphis . What sort of fruit salad nonsense is the Office of Equity and Access? A Tennessee high school principal is on administrative leave after he told students they should be alarmed by the recent crackdown on free speech on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter. Email: mail_hide("209512", "burnsc1", 0, "gro.21kscs") 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. Email: mail_hide("209515", "robertgjacques", 0, "moc.liamg") Corona-Norco Unified School District held it's annual History Day at Roosevelt High School. Townhall.com is the leading source for conservative news and political commentary and analysis. This isnt about Trump, he said. Email: mail_hide("212217", "vinsonjr", 0, "gro.21kscs") SCS placed him on administrative leave, where he has languished for six weeks without any closure to his case, the lawsuit states. In his role as principal, he delivers a "principal's message" to his students as part of the weekly announcements' videos. 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. Email: mail_hide("209513", "calleyjp", 0, "gro.21kscs") 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. All Rights Reserved. In each class, program and pathway of study, students are being shaped into good citizens, critical thinkers, effective communicators and lifelong learners. Email: mail_hide("212822", "calleyjp", 0, "gro.21kscs") 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. According to the Liberty Justice Center (LJC), Thorne has since been reinstated as principal, but LJC is proceeding with a lawsuit against the school division because of the need to stand up to cancel culture. Shelby County Schools. Use cash, venmo, cashapp, Zelle, etc. Office Phone: 901-416-4540 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. 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. Office Phone: 901-416-4540 Weve got a pretty simple ask: we want him to be not just restored to his job, but restored to his reputation. Required fields are marked *. Email: mail_hide("216156", "ratlifftn", 0, "gro.21kscs") Full-time Teacher, Member of Division I, Class AA, Region 8, District 16, Charles Cooper (Head Coach) Teacher. Full-time Teacher, John Calley (Assistant Coach) Email: mail_hide("208847", "talleyc", 0, "gro.21kscs") 01/27/2023. Giving the example of McCarthyism, the principal encouraged students to Google about the issue or ask their social studies teacher. Attorneys first sent a letter to the Superintendent, Director of Professional Standards and General Counsel, but there was no explanation for the continued leave or any movement to reinstate Principal Thorne. 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. Emotionally charged situations, we have to sometimes temper back, recalibrate, think about the message were sending to our student, spokesman Michael Lowe told the television station. Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube have all banned Trump, alleging he incited the violence leading to the breach of the building. Classified Employee, Johnny Stuckey (Head Coach) 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("212215", "layjo", 0, "gro.21kscs") Learn more about Thorne v. Shelby County Board of Education. Im 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. Copyright 2023 Liberty Justice Center. "I have been released as the head football coach this afternoon by Mr. Thorne. And not whether or not you agree or disagree with the people being filtered, but can this happen to you one day?, READ: 5 Things to Know About Principal Barton Thorne and His Case Against Shelby County Schools, Your email address will not be published. We have to be aware and at a heightened sense. Principal . Follow us onTwitteror subscribe to ouremail list, 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. Do not send us confidential information until you speak with us and receive authorization to do so. []. The video addressed the dangers of the Big Tech Giants censoring speech. He filed a lawsuit Thursday against the Shelby County Schools Board of Education and Superintendent Dr. Joris Ray. Email: mail_hide("207528", "cranet", 0, "gro.21kscs") Thorne is suing his school district and its superintendent for the suspension. Full-time Teacher, Steven Havrda (Assistant Coach) 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. Thorne referenced McCarthyism, as well as a standoff between federal agents and a religious group called the Branch Davidians in Waco, Texas during the 1990s. (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. Office Phone: 901-416-5300 What makes those types of systems possible is the restriction and elimination of the free exchange of ideas.. Email: mail_hide("212221", "cooperc1", 0, "gro.21kscs") Colors: Forrest Green, Black, White. And within an hour of filing, he was notified that he could return to work. All Rights Reserved. Office Phone: 901-416-4540 A Tennessee high school principal is on administrative leave after he told students they should be alarmed by the recent crackdown on free speech on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter. Non-faculty, Member of Division I, Class AAA, Region 8, District 15, Justin Lay (Head Coach) It is not always pleasant to hear things that you might disagree with or discover that someone holds an opposing position. During his video message, Thorne explicitly denounced the Capitol riots, saying they displayed ignorance at the highest levels., I dont know too many people that are going to be okay with what happened, he said, according to the transcript. 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. Well, what happens when the marketplace of ideas becomes a forced monopoly? Email: mail_hide("215239", "vinsonjr", 0, "gro.21kscs") NYC Begins Tracking Household Food Consumption in Carbon Climate Struggle, Police Searching Transgender Colorado Teenager Planning School Shooting Found The Communist Manifesto, Google Is Trying to Create a Digital God, Elon Musk Says, Retailers Are Abandoning Americas Cities Due to an Epidemic of Retail Theft, Violence, Authorities Baffled; $22 Million in Gold Disappears From Canadas Pearson International Airport, 14-Year-Old Japanese Girl Dies From Multiple Organ Inflammation, Myopericarditis 45 Hours After COVID, Master Li Hongzhi: How Humankind Came to Be, Zelensky Embezzled $400 Million in American Aid, Buys Fuel From Russia, Pulitzer Prize-Winning Journalist. Full-time Teacher I dont know of too many people that are going to be OK with what happened. School Principal Suspended for Talking to Students About Big Tech Censorship, Copyright Policy and Infringement Notification. Barton Thorne, who is in his fourth year leading Cordova High School in Shelby County, reportedly said during a nine-minute morning announcement that free speech is being threatened by the actions of privately held tech companies, the Commercial Appeal reported. Weve got a pretty simple ask: we want Principal Thorne to be not just restored to his job, but restored to his reputation. Office Phone: 901-416-4540 Six weeks later, Thorne filed a federal civil rightslawsuitagainst the district and Superintendent Joris Ray. Coaches who have successfully completed the ASEP Coaches Education Course AND the TSSAA Online Coaches Training Session prior to May, 15, 2013 are not subject to this requirement. 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.. 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.