The family of suspended Walter Hill Elementary School Principal Dr. Helen Campbell is "shocked and appalled" at the response from Director Bill Spurlock and Rutherford County Schools. The two educators remain suspended without pay since November, even after Judge Eischeid dismissed the case.
Shocked and Appalled
(MURFREESBORO) Local Attorney Scott Kimberly told NewsRadio WGNS, "At this point, the Campbell family is nothing less than shocked and appalled at the flagrant disregard that the Rutherford County School System has levied upon its own educators. We have reviewed the video in question multiple times and can say this much: the statement released by Rutherford County Schools today is riddled with inconsistencies, omissions, and factual inaccuracies."
Kimberly noted that the testimony offered by the state in court this week should shock and offend the public. Of note, when asked about her investigation into the physical relocation of the student in question, the lead detective testified: that she did not review any school records of the student; that she did not review any prior disciplinary incidents of the student; and that she did not even inquire as to why the student was physically relocated prior to making the decision to arrest two well-respected educators.
Not Aware of Educator Rights
When presented with relevant law that affords protections to Tennessee educators, the lead detective testified to the court: that she was unaware of and did not review the Teacher's Bill of Rights in the Tennessee Code, which authorizes educators to defend themselves and others; that she was unaware of and did not review the Tennessee Code that authorizes the use of force to physically relocate students, including physical force; and that she was unaware of, did not review, and was not even provided a copy of the school district's own policy that authorizes the use of force to physically relocate students when the student is deemed by educators to be a danger to himself or to others.
Kimberly continued, "This lack of investigation is even more troubling when coupled with the fact that the state did not provide the court with any evidence of injury to the student."
He noted, "The Rutherford County School System has failed its educators and has sent a chilling message to its employees: that any educator may have his or her behavior taken out of context; that any educator may have the protections afforded to them by law trampled by law enforcement; and that any educator may face criminal charges for having the courage to act appropriately in times of need."
At the conclusion, Judge Lisa Eischeid dismissed all criminal charges.
We have prevailed against these false charges once already and we will continue to maintain the innocence of Mrs. Campbell against this unspeakable miscarriage of justice.
Rutherford County Mayor Bill Ketron noted . . .
CLICK HERE to see the response from Rutherford County Schools Director Bill Spurlock.
