The expression of opinion held during a student led walkout that created a larger discussion on sexual assault within the district. photo by Paige Mulligan
A student-led walkout leads to progressive changes within DPS regarding sexual assault accusations made against Tay Anderson.
Over the past year, one of the most prestigious board members in Denver Public Schools (DPS) was accused of sexual assault and misconduct. The accusations against Tay Anderson, coming from over 62 victims, have since been proved inconclusive and false. However, as the investigation into Anderson and his background gathered more information, the media soon caught wind of a new and disturbing issue at hand. Anderson was found guilty of texting a minor and sending flirtatious and commanding text messages. Since then, this has caused an uproar within the district, specifically East High School, South High School, and Thomas Jefferson High School because of their overall stance on the subject.
Due to the newfound evidence of pressing and deleterious texts made out to a 16-year old student, many students felt uncomfortable with Anderson being on the School Board. Students felt as though they should take action. Furthermore, students organized a walkout calling for Anderson’s resignation. “It was frustrating to know that a person with so much power could do that kind of thing, I’m a student and I almost felt violated that someone on the board would violate students, and break that trust,” expressed Maria Goergen.
In response to the walkout, Anderson called for a press conference addressing the issue at hand. In the press conference, he addressed the original allegations made by one student on March 26, 2021. “I stand before them today, and welcome any opportunity to express any concerns, and to participate in any restorative and transparent process, to try and kill the harm that has been caused,” Anderson stated.
However, this did not silence the student’s voices who still did have concerns. “Me and many others have been victims of sexual assault and nobody should have to feel alone or feel like they can’t be helped or fear for themselves because of a superior authority,” replied Destiny Lopez, a sophomore attending Denver South High School. Lopez spoke on the idea that without the strategy of taking a stand and demanding Anderson’s resignation nothing would change. She also believes that the hundreds of students walking out showed “extreme bravery and perseverance to take a stand for something like this, especially since a lot of us have been victims of sexual assault.”
As the walkout came to an end, the DPS Board of Education decided to call a meeting to determine whether or not Anderson should be censured. Over 1,200 students walked out to show their support to the victims that made a huge impact on the Board Officials. “I think it was influential to board members because they could see with their eyes how big of a problem this actually is, and reconsider change. They took students up to talk to board members because of our presence,” Lopez stated.
Even though the presence of students had a great impact on the board, DPS board members feel as though Anderson does not need to “be removed from the board” but he does have to “be held accountable for his actions,” said Vice President Jennifer Bacon. Nevertheless, the board officials have called for the immediate condemnation of Anderson, meaning the severe disapproval of his actions in a public format. The District Attorney, Beth McCann, has decided not to press charges against Anderson. “Prosecutors, however, declined to file charges after concluding they could not prove a case against Anderson beyond a reasonable doubt,” said Carolyn Taylor, the media influence for the DA’s office at a press conference addressing Anderson’s situation.
Although the student presence was immense and worthwhile during the walkout, the board has concluded that they will not force Anderson to resign. “The board does not have the authority to remove members from the board. Only voters can do that,” stated the treasurer of the board, Angela Cobain. Anderson himself has also decided that he will not be resigning and he will be attempting to get back to work as soon as possible, “For our children.”
The student-led walkout was very influential in persuading the DPS of Education to make a decision in protecting student livelihood and comfort. Even though students were not given the result that was being fought for, they did make an impact, and that within itself needs to be acknowledged.
