Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) is reinforcing its zero-tolerance policy on inappropriate and harmful behavior toward students following the recent conviction of a former employee on charges of sexual battery.
Kenneth Clay, a former MSCS teacher, was convicted on two counts of aggravated sexual battery for abusing a student during his employment with the district between August 2022 and January 2023. The case has sparked renewed focus on student safety in schools across Tennessee.
Support kami, ada hadiah spesial untuk anda.
Klik di sini: https://indonesiacrowd.com/support-bonus/
Tennessee State Board of Education vice-chair, Darrell Cobbins, told ABC24 that kids are a parent’s treasure. He said it’s their job to protect them while under their care in the classroom. Cobbins said the State Board has ramped up measures to make students more aware of their personal safety and interactions with teachers.
“There are certain lines that shouldn’t be crossed by them or by other adults,” Cobbins said. “When someone breaches that trust, I consider that the highest offense that could ever occur in the educational realm.”
In response to incidents like Clay’s, the State Board is advancing efforts to prevent misconduct and promote student well-being. One of the major steps is a new statewide personal safety curriculum designed for middle and high school students. According to Cobbins, their board passed the curriculum last fall and is set to implement it during the 2026–27 school year.
Support us — there's a special gift for you.
Click here: https://indonesiacrowd.com/support-bonus/
“The school districts have to have time to take standards and incorporate them into the appropriate curriculum,” Cobbins said. “This involves textbooks and other learning materials so that the educators can take those into the classrooms, inform and educate the students, to the standards that the state has set.”
Cobbins said the initiative is aimed at creating accountability and awareness among educators and students alike.
“With that type of accountability, it will inform those educators that there are folks that are watching; there are people that are observing at all levels in the state of Tennessee,” he said.
Cobbins told ABC24 that all licensed educators in Tennessee are required to follow a strict code of ethics, but he emphasized that policy alone isn’t enough. The new curriculum will supplement existing safeguards with age-appropriate education focused on boundaries, consent and personal safety.
The State Board’s legal team reviews all educator misconduct cases and can recommend actions ranging from suspension to permanent license revocation.
“The highest level of justice sends a strong message throughout this particular area of the state, but then across the state that it won’t be tolerated. It’s not acceptable, and there is a price to pay,” he said.
Cobbins added that while the new curriculum marks a significant step forward, it is just one part of a broader effort to build safer learning environments across the state.
