Board of Education member censured by fellow council for “hot” remark

Keith Ervin says the video speaks for itself.

The Washington County Board of Education member gave his description of the controversial video that has gained nationwide attention prior to his fellow eight members voting to censure him for the second time in his public service career.

Ervin placed his arm around a high school student board liaison and called her hot at last week’s board session, with Ervin repeating on Wednesday that the statement referred to her question and answer session and the speed she displayed with valid points. The board member, who has been elected to the board for 5 terms, said in a public apology that he regretted that his comments overshadowed what should have been a bright moment for the David Crockett High School student.

Ervin had supporters at the meeting with some board members asking to give the District 1 rep forgiveness, invoking passages from the Holy Bible on judgment. One resident at the public comment section of the meeting admonished Ervin’s fellow board members for not telling him his words were out of line and for not defending the teenager who just was there to give viewpoints and not be objectified.

His prior censure dates back to 2009 when he had to have an escort on a visit to any school campus after he used a sexual gesture in front of students and teachers at Crockett.

Some of the officials including council member Whitney Riddle called on Ervin to resign his post. Several residents and parents called for Ervin’s resignation, including one speaker who has a teenage sister who goes to Crockett. He told Ervin after the meeting that members of the public may take his matter into their own hands.