Shelby County Schools is the largest public school district in Tennessee and is one of the 25 largest nationwide. John Dowtin cried when Barton Thorne, the principal at Cordova, officially offered him to become the school's football coach. According to the lawsuit, Thorne says SCS violated his first and 14th amendment rights. 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. He was then placed on paid administrative leave where he has languished for six weeks without any closure to his case, the filing says. 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. 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. Full-time Teacher, Ashley Smithcoleman (Assistant Coach) Office Phone: 901-416-4540 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. This article by Nicole Wells was published January 27, 2023 on newsmax.com. Email: mail_hide("212820", "warnerdk", 0, "gro.21kscs") 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. 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.. Its shocking and disappointing that I was removed from my job for speaking with students about the First Amendment, Principal Thorne said. 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. Thorne warned his students that anyones voice can be cancelled for any reason by a small group of people. Culturally aware? Thorne stressed that his talk was not in support of Trump but was about freedom of speech. 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. Email: mail_hide("216157", "ratlifftn", 0, "gro.21kscs") . Email: mail_hide("212225", "stinsonf", 0, "gro.21kscs") Office Phone: 901-416-4540 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. Email: mail_hide("212221", "cooperc1", 0, "gro.21kscs") 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. As complaints about big tech censorship grow, calls to regulate it also gain heat. This includes personalizing content and advertising. The suit claims he saw it as a teachable moment about Free Speech and the dangers of cancel culture. His message touched on the importance of Free Speech in a democratic society, the lawsuit says, and was in line with Tennessees standards for teaching social studies to high school students and in line with generally accepted civics curriculum.. Thorne drew comparisons to the Branch Davidian standoff in Waco, Texas as an example of a group being singled out for their beliefs. Do not send us confidential information until you speak with us and receive authorization to do so. (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. Non-faculty, Torrey Lewis (Assistant Coach) Full-time Teacher, Steven Havrda (Assistant Coach) Full-time Teacher, Tracy Ratliff (Assistant Coach) Thankfully, theyre letting Principal Thorne back into the school and return to do what he loves, which is teach his students, Suhr said. We write on behalf of our client, Barton Thorne, the principal of Cordova High School. Apparently, defending free speech is a big no-no in Shelby County Schools. Full-time Teacher, Steven Havrda (Assistant Coach) Sonora High School is a diverse community dedicated to the academic, personal, and social growth of all student learners within a student-centered environment. Office Phone: 901-416-4545 This article by Joe Dodson was published December 8, 2022 on courthousenews.com. (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. Email: mail_hide("212216", "cranet", 0, "gro.21kscs") Barton Thorne. This article by Nicole Wells was published January 27, 2023 on newsmax.com. One of our most misunderstood freedoms has the principal of Cordova High School in hot water tonight. What makes those types of systems possible is the restriction and elimination of the free exchange of ideas.. See the full transcript of his message. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies, revised Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. This isnt about Trump, he 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. Thornes suit alleges SCS officials told him to remain silent while the district criticized him in the media. Principal Thorne was placed on leave the day after his video was circulated. 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. Principal Barton Thorne is on. Email: mail_hide("209509", "beardj1", 0, "gro.21kscs") The logos of multinational American Internet companies are seen on a computer screen in Lille, France, on Oct 21, 2020. Office Phone: 901-416-4540 Full-time Teacher, Vandas Lynch (Assistant Coach) And not whether or not you agree or disagree with the people being filtered, but can this happen to you one day?. Since the start of the school year, Principal Thorne has spoken directly to students through a weekly video message. Your email address will not be published. Virginia parents argue school ambassador program is discriminatory. Jeter K-8 School; 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 . 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. Email: mail_hide("215239", "vinsonjr", 0, "gro.21kscs") To schedule an interview, contact Kristen Williamson at[emailprotected]or 773-809-4403. Email: mail_hide("209511", "weaveri", 0, "gro.21kscs") Excerpts from Principal Thornes Jan. 11, 2021, message to students: Case filings are available here:Thorne v. Shelby County Board of Education, Complaint, Feb. 25, 2021 Transcript of Principal Thornes Message, Feb. 25, 2021 Liberty Justice Centers Demand Letter to Shelby County Schools, Jan. 25, 2021 Press Release, Feb. 25, 2021. Phone 951-736-4545 | Fax 951-736-4538. Twitter two days later permanently suspended Trumps account over two posts it cited as having violated its policies. He warned that cancel culture is taking foot in America and that he will never stand for it. He criticized the censorship implemented by big tech companies like Twitter, Google, Facebook, and Apple. Office Phone: 901-416-4540 Copyright 2023 Liberty Justice Center. Because Cordova is like the City of Memphis, its made up of a salad bowl of many different students of all areas of Memphis.. After leaving Cordova after the 2010 season, he coached at Memphis . The district confirms Cordova High Principal Barton Thorne is on paid leave while his comments are under review. Think about McCarthyism think about totalitarian governments, think of North Korea, think of China. I will not allow myself to be silenced any more than I would allow a student to be marginalized for sharing a perfectly reasonable point of view. ITS NOT THEIR MONEY, BUT THEY DONT CARE, BIDEN SAYS INDIAN-AMERICANS ARE TAKING OVER THE COUNTRY, AND HE SEEMS TO LIKE IT. 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("212944", "havrdass", 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. God Bless!" Wimberly said. . 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. Thornes suit says the message was even in line with resources the superintendent recommended for teaching students about the Capitol riot and its aftermath. Full-time Teacher, John Calley (Assistant Coach) Non-Faculty Coaches and Classified Employees must take the NFHS "Fundamentals of Coaching" and "First Aid, Health, & Safety for Coaches" courses prior to coaching. 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. Full-time Teacher, Robert Jacques (Assistant Coach) 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. This is about speech.. 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. He also referenced McCarthyism, as well as a standoff between federal agents and the Branch Davidians in Waco, Texas during the 1990s. 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. 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. What sort of fruit salad nonsense is the Office of Equity and Access? Classified Employee, Frankie Stinson (Assistant Coach) He should be saluted for educating the kids at Cordova High School instead of indoctrinating them. 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. But every American should be concerned about a cultural trend to get rid of voices that disagree with popular viewpoints. 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. 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, Antonio Wilkerson (Assistant Coach) We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. 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. Welcome Home. Instead of punishing Principal Thorne he should be given a pay raise and a certificate of merit. You can received notifications daily or weekly. Thorne is suing his school district and its superintendent for the suspension. 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. Home; About Us" Administrators; Family & Community Engagement . We keep a close eye on China because of its influence now and the lessons we can learn from its ancient past to better our lives today. We need more principals like that in America. 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. During his nine-minute address Monday, principal Barton Thorne of Cordova High School, near Memphis, said freedom of speech is being threatened by social media and tech companies, the Commercial Appeal reported. Office Phone: 901-416-4540 Email: mail_hide("212940", "calleyjp", 0, "gro.21kscs") Imagine that a public school administrator who is teaching kids to think for themselves. (Denis Charlet/AFP via Getty Images). Principal Thorne used this moment to talk to his students about the importance of free speech in a democratic society. Be aware, be in the loop as far as whats going on. 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. After the school district refused to act, Thorne filed a federal lawsuit. We have to be culturally aware and also have our students have an outlet so they can express themselves and feel value, Lowe told the Fox 13 in Memphis. Principal Thorne was put on administration leave January 12. Because Cordova is like the City of Memphis, its made up of a salad bowl of many different students of all areas of Memphis.. Full-time Teacher, Michella Carter (Assistant Coach) Audio obtained by the WREG-TVallegedly reveals Thorne addressing recent moves byTwitter, Facebook, Google, and Apple and their decision as private companies to filter and to decide what you hear and know about., Because there have been times even in American history where a small group of people decided what you could hear. Disclaimer: The materials contained in this website are for informational purposes and are not to be considered advertising or legal advice. Full-time Teacher, Dustin Sikes (Assistant Coach) 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. Office Phone: 901-416-4540 Many of you have complained that you never see our content in your news feeds. 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. Forget the War on Stoves. By registering for the newsletter, you agree to the, Global Governance: The Great Reset and the End of Sovereignty, FBI Warrantless Searches of Americans Dropped 96 Percent in 2022, Megyn Kelly Claims Fox News in Existential Crisis After Tucker Carlsons Exit, Tense Face-Off: Philippines Confronts China Over Sea Claims, California Landslide Halts Rail Service, Homes Evacuated, California Man Found Guilty of Killing 3 After Doorbell Prank. Office Phone: 901-416-4540 This isnt about Trump, he said. Disclaimer: The materials contained in this website are for informational purposes and are not to be considered advertising or legal advice. Phone: Email: Degrees and Certifications: Mary DeGruy. Office Phone: 901-415-4540 He also claims the district inflicted intentional and negligent emotional distress and caused significant damage to his reputation. Do not send us confidential information until you speak with us and receive authorization to do so. 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. Thorne was soon placed on administrative leave by the Shelby County Schools (SCS) and is currently under investigation for professional misconduct.. Well, what happens when the marketplace of ideas becomes a forced monopoly? Non-faculty, Member of Division I, Class AAA, Region 8, District 15, Justin Lay (Head Coach) There have been times even in American history when a small group of people decided what you can hear, he said. Linda A. Moore covers education, South Memphis and Whitehaven. Office Phone: 901-416-4540 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. The comments he made endorsed no political or religious points of view, and are widely accepted in public education curriculum, including in Shelby County Schools. And hopefully, the school district will do that, and then we can bring this case to a close, he said. 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. CNUSD Connection Newsletter - 1-27-2023. 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. A native of South Memphis, Linda has . 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. Full-time Teacher, Michael Case (Assistant Coach) 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 . You think about McCarthyism, he said, according to the network. Barton Thorne is a career educator who currently serves as principal of Cordova High School for Shelby County Schools (SCS). The principal of Cordova High School is suing Shelby County Schools. He filed a lawsuit Thursday against the Shelby County Schools Board of Education and Superintendent Dr. Joris Ray. Think about China. 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. Weve got a pretty simple ask: we want him to be not just restored to his job, but restored to his reputation. 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. Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube have all banned Trump, alleging he incited the violence leading to the breach of the building. Email: mail_hide("212218", "sikesd", 0, "gro.21kscs") 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. Epoch Times reporter Isabel van Brugen contributed to this report. Office Phone: 901-416-4540 The principal has retained legal counsel from the Liberty Justice Center, a national public interest law firm that defends constitutional rights. India Weaver (System Athletic Director) Talk to your parents about it. Here's What the Left's Coming for Now. According to the lawsuit, Thorne usually delivers a weekly speech to students to educate and inspire them. Full-time Teacher, Tracy Ratliff (Assistant Coach) Email: mail_hide("215527", "smithcolemana", 0, "gro.21kscs") Email: mail_hide("212220", "cooperc1", 0, "gro.21kscs") All Rights Reserved. Facebook Page; . Staff information for the 2022-2023 school year is displayed as it is entered/verified by Cordova High School administration. Weve got a pretty simple ask: we want Principal Thorne to be not just restored to his job, but restored to his reputation. The following article written by Brooke Conrad appeared on ABC4 News on February 26, 2021. During that time, SCS officials lambasted his message in the news media while telling him to stay silent. In addition to allegations of first and 14th amendment violations, the lawsuit claims the SCS is in breach of Thornes employment contract. All Rights Reserved. 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 Full-time Teacher, Chris Burns (Assistant Coach) I look forward to my next endeavor! Sonora High School encourages students to become life-long learners and contributing members of an ever-changing world. Corona-Norco Unified School District held it's annual History Day at Roosevelt High School. 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. Office Phone: 901-416-4540 Shelby County Schools. Office Phone: 901-416-4540 Email: mail_hide("186438", "setlerkr", 0, "gro.21kscs") Im taking action because I meant what I said: Free speech is critically important and is under threat. Principal Thornes message to his students took no political position. The only violation of Shelby County School guidelines was made by the district itself, when it breached Thornes contractual rights by placing him on administrative leave for teaching his students the classic American principles of free speech and democratic self-government. Bryan College (2012), Member of Division I, Class 4A, Region 8, District 15, D'Vennio Warner (Head Coach) 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. 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. Barton Thorne's comments on big tech, Donald Trump, McCarthyism and Branch Davidians companies have are under scrutiny from Shelby County Schools officials. Principal Thornes experience is a frightening example of this trend. Barton Thorne is principal of Cordova High School.
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