Topline: Keith Ervin faces criminal prosecution after calling a high school student “hot” during an April school board meeting.
Published: May 21, 2026 1:00 pm ET
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Keith Ervin (via WJHL/YouTube)
JONESBOROUGH, TN — A Tennessee school board member who told a high school student “God, you’re hot” during a live-streamed meeting is now facing a criminal charge of assault.
Keith Ervin, a member of the Washington County Schools Board of Education, was charged following the April 2 incident, as per WJHL. Ervin, who has served on the school board since 2006, is scheduled to appear in court in August, the Johnson City Press reported.
The charge stems from an incident during a public meeting where Ervin touched a high school student and made the remark about her appearance. WCYB reported that Ervin also asked the student where she attended school.
Following public backlash, the Washington County school board held an emergency meeting in April. Board members voted to censure Ervin for his conduct, according to a report by People magazine.
The school district released a statement acknowledging the criminal charge against Ervin. The statement cited previous remarks from board chair Annette Buchanan, who called Ervin’s actions shocking and stated that he objectified and diminished a young woman.
District officials stated that Ervin’s actions do not reflect the standards, policies, or values of the school system. Board members noted they lack the legal authority to remove Ervin from office because he is an elected official.
The student, Hannah Campbell, spoke publicly at a May 7 school board meeting and criticized the governing body for its response to the incident.
Campbell said she did not wish to “beat a dead horse” because attendees had clear context that the situation was wrong. She added that the failure to act on the board’s behalf was equivalent to Ervin’s actions and hurt her just as much.
Ervin defended his behavior in previous public comments, stating that his remarks were misinterpreted. Ervin said Campbell was “on a roll” due to the questions she asked during the meeting and his comments had “nothing to do with her appearance.”
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
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School Board Member Charged With Assault After Calling Student ‘Hot’
Keith Ervin faces criminal prosecution after calling a high school student “hot” during an April school board meeting.
By Kate Byrd
Published: May 21, 2026 1:00 pm ET
Keith Ervin (via WJHL/YouTube)
JONESBOROUGH, TN — A Tennessee school board member who told a high school student “God, you’re hot” during a live-streamed meeting is now facing a criminal charge of assault.
Keith Ervin, a member of the Washington County Schools Board of Education, was charged following the April 2 incident, as per WJHL. Ervin, who has served on the school board since 2006, is scheduled to appear in court in August, the Johnson City Press reported.
The charge stems from an incident during a public meeting where Ervin touched a high school student and made the remark about her appearance. WCYB reported that Ervin also asked the student where she attended school.
Following public backlash, the Washington County school board held an emergency meeting in April. Board members voted to censure Ervin for his conduct, according to a report by People magazine.
The school district released a statement acknowledging the criminal charge against Ervin. The statement cited previous remarks from board chair Annette Buchanan, who called Ervin’s actions shocking and stated that he objectified and diminished a young woman.
District officials stated that Ervin’s actions do not reflect the standards, policies, or values of the school system. Board members noted they lack the legal authority to remove Ervin from office because he is an elected official.
The student, Hannah Campbell, spoke publicly at a May 7 school board meeting and criticized the governing body for its response to the incident.
Campbell said she did not wish to “beat a dead horse” because attendees had clear context that the situation was wrong. She added that the failure to act on the board’s behalf was equivalent to Ervin’s actions and hurt her just as much.
Ervin defended his behavior in previous public comments, stating that his remarks were misinterpreted. Ervin said Campbell was “on a roll” due to the questions she asked during the meeting and his comments had “nothing to do with her appearance.”
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
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Editor Picks
Latest Articles
School Board Member Charged With Assault After Calling Student ‘Hot’
Keith Ervin faces criminal prosecution after calling a high school student “hot” during an April school board meeting.
By Kate Byrd
Published: May 21, 2026 1:00 pm ET
Keith Ervin (via WJHL/YouTube)
JONESBOROUGH, TN — A Tennessee school board member who told a high school student “God, you’re hot” during a live-streamed meeting is now facing a criminal charge of assault.
Keith Ervin, a member of the Washington County Schools Board of Education, was charged following the April 2 incident, as per WJHL. Ervin, who has served on the school board since 2006, is scheduled to appear in court in August, the Johnson City Press reported.
The charge stems from an incident during a public meeting where Ervin touched a high school student and made the remark about her appearance. WCYB reported that Ervin also asked the student where she attended school.
Following public backlash, the Washington County school board held an emergency meeting in April. Board members voted to censure Ervin for his conduct, according to a report by People magazine.
The school district released a statement acknowledging the criminal charge against Ervin. The statement cited previous remarks from board chair Annette Buchanan, who called Ervin’s actions shocking and stated that he objectified and diminished a young woman.
District officials stated that Ervin’s actions do not reflect the standards, policies, or values of the school system. Board members noted they lack the legal authority to remove Ervin from office because he is an elected official.
The student, Hannah Campbell, spoke publicly at a May 7 school board meeting and criticized the governing body for its response to the incident.
Campbell said she did not wish to “beat a dead horse” because attendees had clear context that the situation was wrong. She added that the failure to act on the board’s behalf was equivalent to Ervin’s actions and hurt her just as much.
Ervin defended his behavior in previous public comments, stating that his remarks were misinterpreted. Ervin said Campbell was “on a roll” due to the questions she asked during the meeting and his comments had “nothing to do with her appearance.”
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
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