By JR Robinson, JustMyMemphis

The legal saga surrounding former Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) Superintendent Dr. Marie Feagins has taken a new turn, with fresh allegations filed in her ongoing lawsuit against the school board. The updated complaint, submitted to Shelby County Circuit Court on May 30, 2025, expands on claims of wrongful termination and now specifically accuses certain board members of defamation and violating state law.

What’s New in the Lawsuit?

Dr. Feagins’ amended filing alleges that the MSCS board not only breached her contract but also violated the Tennessee Open Meetings Act in the lead-up to her dismissal in January. The lawsuit now seeks either her reinstatement or, alternatively, the $487,500 buyout stipulated in her contract, along with additional damages for relocation, lost income, legal fees, and punitive damages.

A particularly explosive new claim targets board member Towanna Murphy, alleging that Murphy defamed Dr. Feagins by falsely accusing her of involvement in the theft of Murphy’s personal vehicle and of committing forgery. The suit asserts these statements were made with reckless disregard for the truth and were part of a broader campaign to damage Dr. Feagins’ reputation.

The complaint also details alleged secret meetings among board members and points to invoices from a local public relations firm as evidence that plans to fire Dr. Feagins were discussed outside of public view—potentially in violation of open meetings laws.

The Carter Malone Group and the PR Controversy

The Carter Malone Group, a well-known Memphis public relations firm, is mentioned in the lawsuit as having been involved in shaping public perception prior to the board’s public discussion of Dr. Feagins’ termination. The suit alleges that public funds were used to support a predetermined plan to remove Dr. Feagins, citing invoices and communications as evidence.

In response to public commentary and reporting on this issue, JustMyMemphis received a Cease and Desist letter from Robert L. J. Spence, Jr. of Spence Partners, representing The Carter Malone Group. The letter demands the immediate removal of allegedly defamatory statements regarding the firm and its principal, Deidre Malone, from our social media platforms and warns of potential legal action should further such statements be published.

JustMyMemphis is committed to responsible journalism and the First Amendment. We have reviewed the concerns raised and are reporting on the facts of the lawsuit and its public implications, without making or endorsing any unsubstantiated claims.

Political Pressure and the Peer Power Dispute

The amended complaint also alleges that political figures, including Shelby County mayoral candidates JB Smiley Jr. and Harold Collins, exerted pressure on Dr. Feagins to approve contracts with outside organizations, specifically referencing a dispute with the tutoring group Peer Power. These allegations, if proven, could have significant implications for the intersection of politics and public education in Memphis.

Exclusive: Unreleased Interview with the Superintendent

Earlier this year, JustMyMemphis conducted an in-depth interview with the MSCS Superintendent regarding the unfolding situation. At the Superintendent’s request, the full interview was never published. However, we are sharing a brief preview of that conversation to provide context and insight for our readers, while respecting her wishes regarding the full content.

Note: The full interview remains unpublished at the Superintendent’s request.

What’s Next?

As of June 2, 2025, no court hearings have been scheduled to address the amended complaint. The case remains under the purview of the Shelby County Circuit Court. Dr. Feagins continues to maintain her residence in Shelby County and has appeared at several public events, signaling her ongoing engagement with the Memphis community.

The Carter Malone Group and other parties named in the lawsuit have not yet provided public comment on the new allegations.

JustMyMemphis will continue to follow this developing story, providing updates as new information becomes available. We remain dedicated to transparency, accuracy, and the highest standards of local journalism.

For further updates, follow JustMyMemphis online and on social media.