Shelby County Board of Education member Towanna Murphy is on the receiving end of public scrutiny after a heated exchange on Facebook Messenger led to her issuing an apology. In the exchange, which has since gone viral, Murphy responded to a critic's message with the threat to "have them deported," alongside other derogatory remarks. According to a release by Action News 5, Murphy has since issued an apology, stating her comments "did not represent the professionalism and respect that I know should be a standard in my service as an MSCS Board Member."
The incident began when a former MSCS student privately messaged Murphy on Facebook, calling her "an embarrassment to Memphis and to our students," and used profanity in her call for Murphy to resign. Murphy's retort, captured in a screenshot of the exchange and reported by FOX13 Memphis, was to tell the individual to "Baby, be quiet before I have you deported." As the fallout from the incident unfolded, Murphy took to Facebook in an attempt to clear air, emphasizing that despite the regret for her reaction, she was initially disrespected and felt compelled to respond in kind.
School board chair Joyce Dorse Coleman also issued a statement, obtained by Action News 5, which condemns the comments and emphasizes the expectations of professionalism for board members. However, details regarding any potential disciplinary actions for Murphy were not disclosed. Coleman stressed her commitment, alongside her colleagues, to reviewing further necessary steps in addressing this matter pursuant to Board Policy.
In a turn of events, the woman who engaged with Murphy shared her side of the story with WREG. She did so anonymously but detailed her fear in response to Murphy's deportation threat, pondering the message it sends to students and families in the community, especially in light of her own family connections in the district. Murphy, on the other hand, asserted her right to self-defense in the social media spat, saying, "Don’t think you can just come into our inbox and disrespect us." Moreover, Jose Salazar, a community organizer, expressed his concerns regarding Murphy's behavior given her public position and the demographic she represents.
Murphy's issued apology further acknowledges the trauma and challenges immigrant and refugee communities face and her recognition that her remarks did not reflect that understanding. In her words from the statement released by a PR group and reported by WREG, "I want to assure my constituents that I know our schools must be safe and welcoming environments for all students and families." She pledged to learn from this experience and work towards leading with compassion and professionalism.
