Overview:
Keith Ervin, a Washington County Board of Education member is officially censured after calling a female student "hot".
Update: The father of the underage high school student, whom a Washington County, TN school board member allegedly called “hot” and then touched on the shoulder has now publicly spoken out:
“We have remained largely silent while focusing on supporting our daughter and carefully considering the appropriate path forward after the disturbing and inappropriate actions of Keith Ervin, and the complete failure of the Washington County School Board to uphold a safe and professional environment for students.
Let us be absolutely clear: we do not condone Keith Ervin’s behavior in any way. His actions — lewd gestures, a grossly inappropriate comment, and unwanted physical contact with a student — are unacceptable under any circumstance. Intent does not excuse impact. His refusal to acknowledge wrongdoing only deepens our concern. We do not believe he should be anywhere near students.
Equally disturbing is the response—or lack of response—from the school board. Multiple members witnessed this behavior, laughed, and allowed it to pass without immediate accountability. That is not leadership. That is systematic failure.
As for the rest of the board, their inaction spoke loudly. Not only as parents, but as members of this community, we have lost confidence in their ability to protect the children they are entrusted to serve.
This situation is not acceptable. It never was. Our silence should not be mistaken for acceptance.
We would like to thank the community at large—and specifically Trevor Lee and Brad Arnett—for their support and for speaking out. We ask that you continue to do so as we work behind the scenes. There is more to say, and it will be said at the appropriate time and in the appropriate manner. For now, we have no further information or comments to share. When that time comes, we hope we can continue to count on your support in making the changes that must be made.
Accountability is not optional. It is demanded.”
The Washington County, Tennessee Board of Education voted unanimously to censure board member Keith Ervin after comments he made calling a student “hot.” However, this is not Ervin’s first censure, and parents say the pattern is unacceptable.
At Wednesday afternoon’s emergency meeting, called by the board chair, parents and community members demanded accountability and called for Ervin to resign.
“The best thing that you can do at this point as a human being, a father and somebody that says you care about this community is go ahead and step on down,” said one community member.
Following a heated public comment period, the school board addressed the issue. Ervin read a statement defending himself, saying the clip was taken out of context.
“When I mentioned she was hot, I meant she was on a roll. It was nothing to do with her appearance,” Ervin said.
Some board members said he should step down, while others defended him.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the board voted unanimously to censure Ervin. A censure is a formal statement of disapproval and is the most serious disciplinary action available, as board members cannot be removed unless they engage in illegal conduct.
According to records, Ervin was previously censured in 2009 for making a “lewd, juvenile gesture of a sexual nature” in a classroom at David Crockett High School. At the time, documents show Ervin said he “guessed he was trying to be 18 again” and “just wanted kids to be able to talk to him and he never dreamed the student would be upset.”
Ervin is up for reelection in August.
Here is Keith Ervin’s complete statement below.
“I would like to start by saying that I’m not always good with words. I sometimes say things in the way that doesn’t convey what I mean. I can only hope that the people that know me, know that I wouldn’t say anything on purpose that would offend anyone.
Obviously, I’ve seen the clip. Look, I get it, if that’s all you’re seeing, I understand why people are reacting the way they are. But that’s not the full conversation, not even close.
Last week at the board meeting, I wanted to congratulate a student who did a great job sharing thoughts with all. The student made all of us proud during that meeting. She was asking good questions, she was engaged, she handled herself well, especially right before the clip in the conversation with the superintendent on hot topics.
She continually fired off questions that thought out valid points. When I mentioned she was hot, I meant she was on a roll. It was nothing to do with her appearance. As a lifetime supporter of David Crockett High School, I was especially proud to learn that’s where she went to school.
When you take a couple of seconds out of a two-hour meeting, it can change how everything sounds. And honestly, it doesn’t give her the credit that she deserves. I am sorry, that this has overshadowed what would have been a bright moment for one of our students.
I have been on the board for a long time, I care about these schools, I care about this community, that’s always been my focus. Could I have said it better, yes, I could have. I will be more mindful of that going forward. But there was no disrespect meant, and I apologize to her and her family for my comment reacting in the public from the incredible job she did.
If people want the full picture, the whole meeting is online. I would just like folks to take a look before drawing to conclusions. The video speaks for itself.”Keith Ervin
