Introduction to the Incident
A mom in Indiana was arrested for allegedly bringing a gun to a school and harassing a teacher over a class lesson about flags that featured one rainbow flag with the words "be kind."
Indianapolis NBC affiliate WTHR reports the incident occurred Wednesday at the Valley Mills Elementary school in the Decatur Township.
Details of the Incident
Carrie Rivers allegedly told police she withdrew her sixth-grade daughter from going to school on Wednesday because the teacher gave students an assignment related to same-sex relationships. The teacher told police that the assignment was about flags and that the lesson included flags from several countries and states before the "be kind" rainbow flag was introduced.
The Teacher’s Account
The teacher also told police that Rivers’ daughter was exempt from needing to complete the assignment after Rivers complained, WTHR reports. Despite withdrawing her daughter beforehand, Rivers went to the school on Wednesday to complain further about the assignment. Police said that after officers responded to the school, one officer saw a gun holstered on Rivers’ waist and seized the firearm without incident.
Threats Against the Teacher
Rivers left school property and later sent a message to the teacher in which she threatened the teacher, calling her a "child predator," according to court documents. She continued saying that if the teacher’s wife wasn’t a police officer that "someone else woulda already delt with u for ur wrongs." "U messed with the wrong family. I’ll tell you that so please say ur prayers and kiss ur kids goodbye and goodnight u never know when god says its our time so always be prepared," Rivers’ message reads, according to court documents.
Further Investigation
The teacher also received a friend request on Facebook on an account that police believe belongs to Rivers with a message allegedly saying "sick, nasty teacher, you should never tell precious innocent kids that it’s okay to be in a same sex relationship," WTHR reports. A warrant for Rivers’ arrest was filed after the Metropolitan School District of Decatur Township received information about the alleged threats. Rivers knew that the teacher’s wife was a police officer because Rivers saw a family photo on her desk, she told police.
Charges and Conclusion
Authorities have charged Rivers with possession of a firearm on school property and harassment. Rivers reportedly told police she did not know she had the gun on her because she previously had been on school property with a firearm.
Conclusion
The incident highlights the importance of maintaining a safe and respectful environment in schools. The actions of Carrie Rivers were deemed unacceptable and led to her arrest. It is crucial for parents, teachers, and the community to work together to ensure that schools remain a place where children can learn without fear of harassment or violence.
FAQs
- Q: What was the reason for Carrie Rivers’ arrest?
A: Carrie Rivers was arrested for allegedly bringing a gun to a school and harassing a teacher over a class lesson about flags that featured one rainbow flag with the words "be kind." - Q: What were the charges against Carrie Rivers?
A: Authorities charged Rivers with possession of a firearm on school property and harassment. - Q: What prompted the teacher to introduce the "be kind" rainbow flag in the lesson?
A: The teacher introduced the "be kind" rainbow flag as part of a lesson about flags from several countries and states, aiming to promote kindness and inclusivity. - Q: Did Carrie Rivers’ daughter participate in the assignment?
A: No, after Carrie Rivers complained, her daughter was exempt from needing to complete the assignment. - Q: How did the police become aware of the threats against the teacher?
A: The police became aware of the threats after the Metropolitan School District of Decatur Township received information about the alleged threats, which included messages sent by Rivers to the teacher.