A Tennessee school board member has been charged with assault after telling a teenage student 'God – you’re hot' during a public meeting in April. Keith Ervin, 59, was charged on 18 May under a state statute that prohibits intentional or knowing physical contact that a reasonable person would find extremely offensive or provocative.
The incident occurred at a 2 April meeting of the Washington County school board, where Ervin was filmed placing his hand on a female student’s shoulder and making the remark. The student, a high school senior serving as a student representative, laughed uncomfortably as Ervin continued the exchange. The video was posted on the board’s YouTube channel.
The student’s father later criticised Ervin’s behaviour as 'disturbing and inappropriate' and expressed disbelief that no immediate action was taken. A Change.org petition calling for the dismissal of Ervin and Superintendent Jerry Boyd has gathered over 7,400 signatures. The board voted to censure Ervin on 8 April.
At a 7 May board meeting, the student addressed the board, accusing members of cowardice and saying, 'I do not forgive you.' She added, 'Thank you for teaching me that no one will stand up for me besides myself.' Ervin has not commented on the charge, which is a class B misdemeanour punishable by up to six months in jail and a $500 fine.
