Washington County School Board Unanimously Censures Member Keith Ervin

Washington County, Tenn. — The local school board voted to formally censure board member Keith Ervin. The action followed public outcry over comments Ervin made about a student.

Emergency meeting and public pressure

The board held an emergency meeting on Wednesday afternoon. The meeting had been called by the board chair.

Parents and community members packed the session. Many demanded Ervin resign immediately and called for accountability.

Speakers expressed hurt and anger over the remarks. One attendee urged Ervin to step down as a matter of basic decency.

Ervin’s response and the board’s vote

Ervin addressed the audience and said the clip showing his comment was misleading. He said he intended to praise the student’s performance, not her appearance.

Board members debated the matter. Some said he should resign, while others defended him.

Ultimately, the Washington County School Board voted and unanimously censured the member Keith Ervin. The board’s censure is an official statement of disapproval.

Board officials noted that censure is the only internal discipline available. A member can be removed only if they break the law.

Past incident and reelection

Records obtained by Filmogaz.com show Ervin faced a prior censure in 2009. That action followed a reported lewd gesture in a classroom at David Crockett High School.

At the time, Ervin said he regretted the incident and framed it as misplaced behavior. He told investigators he had not meant to upset the student.

Ervin is scheduled to run for reelection in August. The recent censure may factor into the campaign and public discussion.