Overview:
Memphis Shelby County School Board member Towanna Murphy has issued an apology after facing backlash for threatening to deport a Hispanic former student during a heated social media exchange, prompting community outrage and renewed scrutiny of the district’s leadership.
Memphis Shelby County School Board member Towanna Murphy apologizes for threatening to deport Hispanic women who messaged her on social media to criticize her tenure on the school board and called her names. Murphy represents the Whitehaven and Hickory Hill communities in Memphis Shelby County Schools, the largest district in Tennessee, where Hispanic students make up 18.2% of the 109,000-student population.
The exchange happened via instant message on Facebook, but the posts were made public and shared by thousands of others.
In subsequent Facebook posts, Murphy attempted to justify her response, saying she was angry because the woman came into her inbox and called her the ‘b-word’. Murphy claims that since the public fallout from the contentious 6-3 board vote for firing Dr. Marie Feagins in January, she has received multiple threats via social media.
“I was upset that she disrespected me. Was it the right thing to do? No, but it was wrong on her behalf, and I want an apology from her,” Murphy said.
The woman who contacted Murphy on social media is a 19-year-old former MSCS student who told Murphy she was an embarrassment and should resign before calling Murphy a stupid b—-. The insults did not end there, as Board Member Murphy commented on the woman’s physical appearance.
When contacted, the woman expressed fears, citing the recent appearance of ICE in Shelby County. “I’m scared. That’s really scary, especially with everything that’s going on,” said the unidentified woman, “especially since I have a little nephew who attends Memphis Shelby County Schools.”
After the news broke of Murphy’s exchange, local Hispanic community members were outraged. Jose Salazar, a local community organizer, weighed in on social media and started a petition for Murphy’s removal. To date, the petition has over 600 signatures and hundreds of comments.
“She’s a public figure, and I think she needs to be careful about how she represents herself. She does represent a large community of immigrant kids,” Salazar commented. “So, I mean, you know it’s kind of sad that she even expresses herself like that.”
After publicly commenting earlier that she would not apologize, Towanna Murphy released a statement via the Memphis Shelby County Schools public relations firm later on Wednesday evening.
I want to apologize to the community and my board colleagues for my interaction in a social media direct message with a member of our community. While I found the initial message from the individual to be disrespectful and upsetting, my response did not represent the professionalism and respect that I know should be a standard in my service as an MSCS Board Member. It certainly was not a reflection of my true feelings or intentions toward the Latino community.
I recognize the trauma and challenges facing our immigrant and refugee communities, and regret that this interaction did not reflect my understanding and concern for these issues. I want to assure my constituents that I know our schools must be safe and welcoming environments for all students and families. This interaction comes at a time when we need to show support to ensure public education is available for all.
I am committed to learning from this experience, rebuilding trust with our full community, and working towards my goal to lead with professionalism and compassion.
This is the latest controversy plaguing Memphis Shelby County Schools, as they went through a very public firing of Dr. Marie Feagins after only nine months, igniting a firestorm of criticism from the public. This spurred a “no confidence” vote from the local Shelby County Commission and, subsequently, the Tennessee legislator to introduce legislation for a takeover of Memphis Shelby County Schools, citing the board’s inability to lead.
Later this evening, two Memphis Shelby County Schools Board members denounced Murphy’s remarks. Board Chairwoman Joyce Dorsey Coleman released this statement citing decorum as an elected official and stating that Murphy has fallen “short” of that.
I am aware of the recent social media activity of my colleage, Board Member Towanna Murphy. As duly elected officials, all board members are expected to uphold the highest standards of decorum and professionalism while representing the district and the Board at all times. I must publicly acknowledge that her recent social media comments fall well short of those expectations.
I understand the hurt, frustration, and outrage that many have expressed in response to the publication of Board member Murphy’s messages, and I believe that I speak for the rest of my colleagues when I say that we neither condone her comments nor share her expressed sentiments. I recognize that this is an unnecessary and unwelcome distraction from the important work that we must continue to carry out in service to our students and staff.
As Board Chair, I, along with my colleagues, will continue to review any further necessary steps in addressing Board Member Murphy’s activity pursuant to Board Policy.
Other board members cited student safety concerns in Murphy’s comments.
“I feel compelled to address recent statements made by a MSCS School Board Member that created a climate of fear for some of our students in the immigrant community, said Michelle Robinson McKissack, District 1 representative said in a statement. “I am both saddened and disappointed by the statements made but I want to assure our students, parents, teachers, and the greater community that I will always strive to ensure MSCS is a safe, nurturing environment for all of our students. I am committed to advocating and protecting all of the students of Memphis-Shelby County Schools.
The woman, who was threatened with deportation, plans to file a complaint with the police and the school district.
