No More Innocence Lost: Demanding Real Safety for Every Child in Memphis-Shelby County Schools
Local & National News | July 01, 2025
The pain inflicted on a young student within the very walls meant to protect her is an outrage that should shake every parent, educator, and leader to their core.

Written By JR Robinson

The conviction of former Winchester Elementary teacher Kenneth Clay, Jr. for aggravated sexual battery is a gut-wrenching reminder: our schools must be sanctuaries, not battlegrounds for our children’s safety. The pain inflicted on a young student within the very walls meant to protect her is an outrage that should shake every parent, educator, and leader to their core.

But this case is not an isolated tragedy—it is a call to action for Memphis and Shelby County. Our children face threats that go far beyond the headlines. In the last school year alone, Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) lost 22 students to violence, with many more critically injured. Homicide is the leading cause of death for children ages 7-18 in our city, and the trauma of violence—whether from a gun or from abuse—leaves scars that last a lifetime.

Safety Is Not Optional—It’s a Moral Imperative

MSCS is responding with urgency. The district is investing over $12 million in security upgrades:

These are not just line items in a budget. They are lifelines for our children. Every camera, every metal detector, every trained staff member is a shield against the unthinkable.

The DA’s Office: Relentless in Pursuit of Justice

Behind every headline-grabbing case, the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office is working tirelessly to protect our city’s most vulnerable. DA Steve Mulroy’s team is prosecuting offenders, pushing for faster forensic investigations, and advocating for a local crime lab to speed up justice for victims. Their commitment goes beyond punishment—they are working on prevention, intervention, and restorative justice, striving to break the cycles that put children at risk.

But Technology Alone Won’t Save Us

Safety is not just about metal detectors and security cameras. It’s about culture, vigilance, and the courage to speak up.

A United Front Is the Only Way Forward

MSCS is expanding partnerships with law enforcement, mental health providers, and community organizations to address the root causes of violence and abuse. Programs for mentoring, counseling, and violence prevention are making a difference, but the work is far from done.

We cannot accept a single child harmed as the cost of doing business.

Every parent deserves to know their child is safe at school. Every child deserves to learn, grow, and dream—free from fear.

Share this. Demand more. Stand with Memphis-Shelby County Schools, the DA’s Office, and every advocate fighting for our children’s right to safety. The time for half-measures is over. The time for action is now.

Learn more about Shelby County Sheriff's Office

#grabmyCARD

JustMy is about supporting LOCALS, check out these LOCAL area businesses and organizations! Everything you want to know about them is here! Like and Share TODAY! If you are a local business and would like a free listing with us, create your Digital Business Card today and we will share it with the community!

Amplify Your Voice on JustMy.com

myCARD XX

List Your Business
On the NewsSTAND — Free

Put your business in front of thousands of LOCALS! Create your free listing on the NewsSTAND and update your profile anytime to share the latest info, specials, and contact details.

Custom Fonts, Colors, and Backgrounds

Share Your Voice
Write an Article

Got a story to Share? Pitch your idea or write an article for the NewsSTAND! Join us in highlighting the positive and powerful moments that make our city shine.

Multiple Custom Tabs

Connect with Us
Let’s Collaborate!

We’re passionate about working together to amplify our City. Reach out to the NewsSTAND team to explore collaboration opportunities and make a difference in our community.

Amplify Your Business with JustMy.com

Click Here to Learn More!

Hover over each card to unlock the full story and see what you’re about to get!

Front
Back
Front
Back
Front
Back
Front
Back

Amplify America. Amplify Community. Amplify You!

Thank you for Reading
JustMy.com is here to Amplify the Positive in our Community