Police called to school over ‘unruly’ students
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Police were called to a Frayser elementary school Thursday after reports claiming students were out of control.
The Memphis Police Department responded to a disturbance at Georgian Hills Elementary School just after noon.
Reports say the classroom’s original teacher was out for the day. Students became “unruly and disrespectful” towards the substitute teacher because they believed the principal, Derrick McIntosh, had fired their “favorite teacher.”
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Principal McIntosh told police she was not fired – she resigned.
The elementary school principal reportedly tried to de-escalate the situation with the students.
McIntosh allowed students to go to the restroom one by one, but some students did not return. Another teacher was able to get most of the students back into the classroom.
The students allegedly began cursing at Principal McIntosh, and he stopped allowing students to leave because they were “being disrespectful.”
According to a police report, several students got out of their seats and tried to run out of the classroom, but McIntosh closed the door before they were able to leave.
Students then began calling their parents, claiming they were being assaulted and held hostage. Soon afterward, parents arrived at the school, and police were called by the school board.
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The student’s original teacher arrived at the school after hearing about the situation.
She reportedly advised police that the principal disrespects her, and her students do not like it. She said her students were “protesting and normally do not act like that.”
Some parents chose to pick their kids up early, and others sent their kids back to class.
No one was injured during the incident.
MPD says one parent was detained because she “would not calm down and continued to be rowdy.” They also claim the parent was causing other parents to act out.
She was issued a misdemeanor citation for disorderly conduct and released.
MSCS said in a statement that “no students were arrested, charged, or suspended,” and they are now conducting a “thorough review.”
Danielle Lewis says her daughter now wants to change schools, but changing schools this late in the school year will be difficult. So, she hopes more will be done.
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