Tennessee School Board Member Charged With Assault After Comment to Student

A Washington County school board member has been charged with assault after making a comment to a female student during an April public meeting. State prosecutors filed the charge on May 18 against 59-year-old Keith Ervin. The charge cites a Tennessee statute that prohibits intentionally causing physical contact that a reasonable person would regard as extremely offensive or provocative.

Conviction under the class B misdemeanor carries a maximum penalty of six months in jail and a $500 fine.

Video from the meeting shows Ervin placing his hand on the student's shoulder and saying, "God – you're hot. Did you know that? " He then asked which school she attended. The student, described as a high school senior and student representative on the board, responded to the question.

Other people in the room laughed during the exchange. The student's father later posted on social media that the behavior was disturbing and inappropriate. He stated that neither parent believed Ervin should be near students.

The school board voted to censure Ervin at a special meeting on April 8. org petition calling for the removal of Ervin and Superintendent Jerry Boyd has gathered more than 7,400 signatures. She told members she did not forgive them and accused them of failing to protect students.

Ervin was served with a criminal summons after the May 18 charge. He is scheduled to appear in Washington County circuit court on August 7. Ervin told local media he is not always good with words and would not intentionally offend anyone, though he acknowledged the video appeared unfavorable.