A former high school student in Tennessee has spoken out about the distress she experienced when a Washington County School Board member made a lewd comment during a public meeting. Hannah Campbell was presenting her research on district schools on April 2 when board member Keith Ervin approached her, put his arms around her, and said, "God, you're hot, you know that? Where do you go to school at?"
One month later, Ervin was charged with assault, specifically physical contact, in connection with the remark. Campbell stated that the incident left her feeling that "nobody should ever be treated that way in any type of setting - especially one where you should be able to feel safe, because it's a professional environment."
She expressed concern that the incident has negatively impacted the reputation of Washington County and Tennessee, overshadowing the accomplishments of many students. "And I just don't think that that's fair because we have so many amazing students doing amazing things, and it's getting overlooked because of one incident," Campbell told WJHL. However, she also emphasized the seriousness of the comment, stating, "it was awful."
Community Response and Board Action
The community rallied around Campbell and her family following the incident, with her mother, April, noting the outpouring of support from strangers. This community engagement led to demands for Ervin's resignation or removal from the board. Despite this public outcry and a letter from students at David Crockett High School expressing their discomfort, Ervin was ultimately censured but allowed to remain on the board.
Campbell addressed the board directly on May 7, delivering a scathing statement. "Gaining global attention for sexual comments and assault is not the reputation that Washington County deserves," she said, referencing the widespread media coverage of Ervin's actions. She criticized the board, stating, "Everyone on this board shares that blame, as does every voter who put you into office. I believe that you are all cowards."
Campbell described Ervin's comment as "unwelcome, sexist and derogatory," and asserted that the board's "failure to act... was and is equivalent to his actions, and it has hurt me just as much." She also condemned the use of religious justifications by some board members for their lenient disciplinary approach, stating, "I do not forgive you, and I do not accept your fake apologies used to protect yourselves."
Ervin's Defense and Official Statements
Ervin has previously defended his remarks, claiming they were misinterpreted. He told NBC News, "When I mentioned she was hot, I meant she was on a roll. It was nothing to do with her appearance."
Annette Buchanan, Chair of the Washington County Board of Education, released a statement in April acknowledging Ervin's explanation that he meant nothing offensive and that his intentions were misunderstood. However, Buchanan also stated, "Mr. Ervin knows his own intentions, but the rest of us have to judge his words and his actions," which she characterized as "shocking and grossly inappropriate."
Campbell has since acknowledged feeling nervous before speaking to the board but found the experience "so beyond worth it" due to its impact. She now hopes for increased public awareness regarding the conduct of elected officials and encourages other students to voice their opinions, asserting that "age should have no influence on... how much your opinion matters."
