INDIANAPOLIS, IN – An Indianapolis woman is facing charges after allegedly bringing a firearm onto school grounds following a disagreement with her daughter’s former teacher regarding a classroom assignment. The incident unfolded when Carrie Rivers, 48, reportedly expressed displeasure over an assignment her daughter received at Valley Mills Elementary School, which she believed promoted themes she disagreed with.
Rivers allegedly removed her daughter from the school on April 9 after the teacher included a rainbow LGBTQ flag as part of a lesson on different flags from around the world. Following her daughter’s withdrawal, Rivers appeared at the school armed and confronted the authorities, as documented in court records.
Law enforcement intervened when Rivers was seen carrying a gun openly on her waistband. After addressing the situation, police confiscated the weapon, and Rivers was released later that day. Subsequent social media messages attributed to Rivers allegedly threatened the teacher, whose spouse is a police officer, amplifying tensions.
The messages, which reportedly targeted the teacher’s personal life, suggested repercussions were forthcoming due to the classroom content. Rivers’ posts also condemned discussions on same-sex relationships in educational settings, claiming such topics were inappropriate for students.
Decatur Township school officials issued a statement ensuring the safety of all students and staff had not been compromised during the incident. They confirmed that police had effectively managed to escort the parent from the premises and secure the handgun with no harm to those present.
In light of the event, Rivers faces legal consequences, including charges of possession of a firearm on school grounds and harassment. Her preliminary court appearance is scheduled for April 15, where the charges against her will be formally addressed.
The situation underscores ongoing debates on educational content in schools, particularly around subjects that some parents find contentious. School districts continue to navigate these cases carefully to ensure educational integrity while maintaining a secure learning environment.
Meanwhile, the teacher at the center of the controversy has not publicly commented on the case, though it was noted they had allowed Rivers’ daughter to opt out of completing the assignment to avoid further conflict. The incident remains a focal point in the local community as it reflects broader societal conversations on education and parental rights.