School board member who called student ‘hot’ in meeting charged with assault

JONESBOROUGH, Tenn. (WVLT/Gray News) - A Tennessee school board member who has been under fire for comments made during a meeting has been charged with assault.

Court records confirmed the charge against Washington County School Board member Keith Ervin, for which a grand jury returned an indictment against him for assault and physical contact.

The Washington County Board of Education also said it had been notified about the assault charge being filed against Ervin.

“Board chair Annette Buchannan previously stated that Mr. Ervin’s comments and actions were ‘shocking’ and that he ‘objectified and diminished a young woman,’” the school board shared in a statement.

Ervin has been under scrutiny following a school board meeting last month, where a video showed him putting his arm around a student as he called her “hot” and asked what school she went to.

The April 2 meeting was livestreamed, just as all Washington County Board of Education meetings are, which captured Ervin’s comments.

Ervin was not removed from the board, as county leaders said elected officials cannot be terminated. However, a week later, the board called a special session where they unanimously voted to censure him.

“The board reiterates that Mr. Ervin’s actions do not reflect the standards, policies, or values of the school district. The Board remains committed to ensuring a safe, respectful, and appropriate environment for all students and staff,” the board statement continued.

Earlier this month, the student spoke out for the first time at a board meeting. She appeared in front of the board and delivered a four-minute speech to the sitting members, bashing them for inaction in delivering consequences to Ervin.

In her speech, she called the board members “cowards” who taught her that “no one would stand up for her.”

School officials said the district’s primary focus remains on the education and well-being of its students, with support resources available to any student or staff member affected by this situation.