Memphis-Shelby County School Board member apologizes for comments threatening to deport former student

District 7 Board Member Towanna Murphy (Photo by Memphis-Shelby County Schools)

A Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) board member under fire for controversial social media comments publicly apologized for her behavior during a school board meeting Tuesday night.

The apology from board member Towanna Murphy comes after messages she sent to a 2023 MSCS graduate threatening to have her deported were made public.

"I would like to start by taking full responsibility for the manner in which I responded to a community member during a private online chat," Murphy said during Tuesday’s school board meeting. "I acknowledge that such behavior is unacceptable, and I sincerely apologize to my colleagues and to the community at large."

As reported by WRCB 3, Murphy got into a social media argument earlier this month with a recent MSCS graduate who told Murphy she needed to resign. Murphy then told the woman, who is Hispanic, that she would have her deported and then made fun of her appearance. The young woman is a U.S. citizen and went public with the exchange, triggering community backlash against Murphy. She apologized online, but the school board also addressed the controversy during last night’s meeting.

Board Chair Joyce Dorse Coleman said per board policy, she has met privately with Murphy to discuss the incident, and that Murphy could face censure by the board if there is another infraction.

“As duly elected members of the Shelby County Board of Education, we are held to a higher standard of professionalism and decorum at all times. In an environment where immigration issues and immigrant students and families are fearful of deportation, her comments, as she has publicly acknowledged, were insensitive and inappropriate,” said Coleman. “On behalf of all members of this board, I want to publicly apologize for the hurt and frustration this may have caused the community to feel.”

Murphy then went on to tell fellow board members she has learned from the experience and wants to move forward.

"I want to assure my constituents that I know our schools must be safe and welcoming environments for all students and families,” said Murphy. “I am committed to using this experience as a valuable lesson in my journey towards my personal goals to lead with professionalism and compassion.”

Despite the apology, a petition calling for Murphy’s resignation is circulating and as of Wednesday afternoon, has gained nearly 1,100 signatures.