Memphis, September 16, 2025
News Summary
A teacher at Ridgeway High School is under investigation after allegedly assaulting a ninth grader over a confiscated cell phone. This incident has raised concerns about student safety amid the introduction of a new cell phone policy by Memphis-Shelby County Schools. Parents are expressing worry over the appropriateness of the teacher’s actions and the implications for school discipline. The district is conducting a thorough investigation into the matter, emphasizing that physical confrontations are not acceptable measures when managing student behavior.
Memphis โ A teacher at Ridgeway High School is under investigation following a reported assault related to a new cell phone policy initiated by Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS). The incident allegedly occurred after a ninth grader’s cell phone was confiscated during class, leading to a physical confrontation.
The altercation was reportedly captured on video, which has since circulated among students and parents. According to the student’s mother, Gwendolyn Williams, her daughter suffered an assault at the hands of her algebra teacher over the cell phone incident. This incident has raised significant concerns about student safety and adherence to new educational policies.
This school year marks the first implementation of Tennessee’s new cell phone ban aimed at reducing distractions in classrooms. Under the MSCS policy, teachers are instructed to request phone surrender or involve an administrator rather than attempting to retrieve them physically themselves. The policy revision aligns with recent state law allowing school officials to confiscate student devices.
Williams expressed her concern, stating that her daughter is now apprehensive about returning to Ridgeway High School. The mother emphasized that the teacherโs approach was inappropriate, suggesting that contacting law enforcement or parents would have been more suitable alternatives rather than resorting to physical enforcement.
In response to the incident, the district has referred the teacher to both the Department of Children’s Services and the Office of Professional Standards for a thorough investigation. MSCS has confirmed they are investigating the teacher’s actions, evaluating adherence to the established cell phone policy and overall conduct within the classroom environment.
Williams has criticized the incident, noting that if she, as a parent, had behaved similarly, it would likely have resulted in intervention from authorities such as Child Protective Services. This alarming occurrence has sparked discussion amongst parents and community members regarding appropriate disciplinary methods in schools and the responsibility of educators under newly instituted policies.
A New Policy’s Impact
The implementation of the cell phone policy is part of a broader initiative to cultivate a more focused educational environment. This approach was introduced to mitigate interruptions caused by electronic devices, which have increasingly become a source of distraction during class time.
Consequences for the Teacher
As the investigation unfolds, the teacher remains under scrutiny for their actions during the reported incident. The guidelines provided to educators regarding the treatment of students in possession of prohibited items are clear, emphasizing that physical confrontation is unwarranted and unacceptable.
Background Context
The issue surrounding the use of cell phones within schools has grown over the years as technology’s presence in everyday life increases. Many districts across the country have implemented strict policies regarding device usage, reflecting concerns about educational effectiveness. Tennessee’s newly adopted statewide cell phone ban reflects a concerted effort to regain control over classroom environments, ensuring students remain engaged and focused on their studies.
Amid this backdrop, the violence that reportedly occurred raises questions about policy implementation and teacher training. Stakeholders including educational administrators, parents, and community members will be looking for clarity on how the situation is handled and what actions will be taken to ensure student safety moving forward.
Conclusion
The current investigation into the Ridgeway High teacherโs actions underscores the challenges that educators face when enforcing new policies. As the situation develops, it will be crucial for both school authorities and parents to collaborate toward creating a safer and more effective educational environment for students.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the incident involving the teacher at Ridgeway High School?
A teacher is under investigation for allegedly assaulting a ninth grader over a cell phone confiscation during class.
What does the new cell phone policy entail?
The policy directs teachers to request phone surrender or involve administrators instead of physically taking phones from students.
What are the consequences for the teacher?
The teacher has been referred to the Department of Children’s Services and the Office of Professional Standards for investigation.
How are parents reacting to this incident?
Parents, including the mother of the student involved, express concern over safety and the appropriateness of the teacher’s actions.
What are the broader implications of this incident?
This incident raises questions about how schools implement policies and ensure student safety while managing discipline.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Ridgeway High School, Memphis |
| Policy Type | New cell phone ban policy |
| Incident Type | Assault allegation |
| Key Individuals | Algebra teacher, ninth grader, mother Gwendolyn Williams |
| Action Taken | Teacher referred for investigation |
| Policy Emphasis | No physical confrontation allowed |
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Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
