A Tennessee school board member, known for his inappropriate behavior during a live-streamed meeting, is now facing allegations of misconduct involving a teenage girl.
Keith Ervin, a member of the Washington County Board of Education, has been charged with assault following an incident on April 2, as reported by WSMV. During a board meeting, Ervin reportedly made unwanted physical contact with high school senior Hannah Campbell.
During this meeting, the middle-aged trustee was seen on the livestream sitting close to Campbell and placing his arm around her shoulders, an action that drew widespread attention.
He was overheard saying, “God, you’re hot, you know that?” before inquiring about which school Campbell attended.
The livestream also captured Ervin squeezing Campbell’s shoulder again after she attempted to pull away, further escalating the situation.
While no one at the meeting confronted Ervin about his unsettling comments, the incident quickly sparked outrage online.
A petition calling for Ervin’s removal went viral. He was censured days later.
Campbell was back before the school board with a vengeance this month — going scorched earth on Ervin during another live-streamed meeting.
“I do not forgive you, and I do not accept your fake apologies used to protect yourselves. I do not believe that you deserve that peace of mind,” Campbell bluntly told the balding board member in a visceral four-minute tirade.
“Every time that you feel a little bit of discomfort from the public, I want you to remember that it isn’t even a fraction of what I felt on April 2nd.”
Ervin tried to walk back his comment, insisting that he meant that the high schooler “was on a roll.”
“And, you know, I’m old school. I’m an old farm boy. And I didn’t mean nothing by anything. I just was proud of her,” he claimed.
The Washington County School District confirmed that it was made aware of Ervin’s indictment.
“The Board reiterates that Mr. Ervin’s actions do not reflect the standards, policies, or values of the school district,” the school board wrote in a statement.
“The Board remains committed to ensuring a safe, respectful, and appropriate environment for all students and staff.”
This isn’t Ervin’s first time on the school board’s chopping block.
In 2009, he was censured for making a lewd sexual gesture in front of a high school students when one child said they held a job where they made $8 an hour.
Ervin is scheduled to appear in Washington County court on Aug. 7.
