This story was originally published by Chalkbeat. Sign up for their newsletters at ckbe.at/newsletters
The Denver school board has hired an outside firm to do a “thorough and independent fact-finding investigation” into allegations against school board member Tay Anderson, who has been accused of sexual assault and other inappropriate behavior.
The organization Black Lives Matter 5280 issued a statement in late March saying a woman told the group that Anderson sexually assaulted her. The statement said the woman wishes to remain anonymous. Black Lives Matter 5280 said the accusations have not gone through a “formal legal process,” but the group is committed to “protecting, uplifting, and believing Black women, decidedly as it relates to sexual violence.”
Anderson, 22, has denied the allegation, repeatedly saying that “I have not sexually assaulted anyone.” He has said he welcomes a “full investigation” into the matter.
On Tuesday, the seven-member Denver school board said it “looks forward to an independent view of the facts.” The board invited anyone who wants to contribute to the fact-finding process to email the firm it hired, Denver-based Investigations Law Group.
“Our first commitment is to serving the students, employees, and community of Denver Public Schools,” the board said. “We want to create space for all members of our community to be heard, while we also ensure a fair process for everyone involved.”
The seven-member board said Anderson was told about the investigation and supports it. The board said it would not make any other statements until the investigation is complete.