Denver Public Schools board member Tay Anderson said Saturday that an allegation of sexual assault made by a local chapter of Black Lives Matter on behalf of an anonymous woman is untrue.
On Friday, Black Lives Matter 5280 published a public statement saying a woman came to the group in February alleging Anderson had sexually assaulted her. The statement said the woman wants Anderson to issue a public apology and seek help from a licensed professional.
“I am not aware of any actions of mine that could be considered or construed as sexual assault. I am not aware of any past partners who have considered anything I’ve done sexual assault,” Anderson’s statement said. “Until I and the broader community have more comprehensive information, I cannot take the action requested in the BLM5280 statement or address conduct I have no knowledge of.”
Anderson said he has not been contacted by BLM5280 or an individual regarding the allegations.
In its statement, BLM5280 said it will separate itself from Anderson until he responds.
“Bear in mind that although these allegations have not gone through a formal legal process, BLM5280 is fiercely committed to protecting, uplifting and believing Black women, decidedly as it relates to sexual violence,” the statement said. “Until … Anderson has accounted for himself in these ways, he will not be welcome to share space with BLM5280 physically or on any of our platforms.”
Apryl Alexander, BLM5280 community organizer, declined to comment further on the allegations “for the safety of the survivor.”
Three former members of Never Again Colorado, a youth organization for gun reform that planned the 2018 March for Our Lives in Denver, told the Denver Post they witnessed sexual misconduct on the part of Anderson.
Madison Rose, who was the group’s vice president, said Anderson used his position as president to pressure women who were on the board or wanted to become involved into sleeping with him. Because Rose was a female leader, the young women confided in her when Anderson made them uncomfortable, though they asked she not bring the issues up to him or police, Rose said.
Some were underage, she added. Anderson would have been about 19 at the time.
Rose said the complaints ranged from unwanted compliments and touching to unwelcome sexual advances. One woman was “bullied off” the Never Again Colorado board after she rebuffed Anderson’s advances, Rose said.
In July of 2018, six board members wrote a letter to Anderson expressing concerns about his use of Never Again Colorado funds for purposes unrelated to the group’s mission. The board threatened legal action against Anderson over the spending and urged him to resign and focus on his run for school board.
“We would also remind you that in the wake of the Me Too movement, voters also really care about how you treat and value women. Several board members, both past and present, as well as other young women from other organizations have come forward and have expressed concerns about sexual harassment,” the board wrote.
Anderson said Saturday all of the allegations are false.
When the Never Again board disbanded, it issued a statement saying a “community liaison” had found no problems with the spending.
Saturday afternoon, the Denver Public Schools board of education issued a statement saying it confirmed there is no pending charge or criminal investigation related to the allegation. If it receives new information, that will be reviewed to determine the appropriate next steps.
“The Board has limited authority to take action due to the fact that Mr. Anderson is an elected official and not an employee of Denver Public Schools. The Board cannot remove one of its members as their position as a director is determined by the will of the voters,” the statement said. “Similar to the legislature, when elected officials are accused of sexual misconduct, an elected body may consider censure, reprimand, or removal from committees.”
CW: Mention of sexual assault
In commitment to restorative justice. pic.twitter.com/0tNezMLsyY
— BlackLivesMatter5280 (@BLM5280) March 26, 2021
STATEMENT FROM TAY ANDERSON: pic.twitter.com/FUSwHuQezL
— Tay Anderson (@TayAndersonCO) March 27, 2021
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