It’s hard to believe that Denver Public Schools and the Dept. of Education care about student safety when Tay Anderson continues to hold his position of director on the DPS Board of Education.
Anderson was recently investigated for a range of misconduct, including rape. While the worst of the accusations against Anderson were not substantiated (though also not disproven), the independent report, coupled with Anderson’s public behavior, left room for serious concern.
Most problematic was Anderson’s online flirtation with a 16-year-old student, which he ceased when discovering she was underage. But was it ever appropriate to flirt with a student, regardless of her age? Reading Anderson’s testimony in the independent report compiled by Investigations Law Group (ILG), it seems clear that he did know she was a DPS student.
Instead of immediately apologizing for his behavior and perhaps showing an ounce of the humility that the situation called for, Anderson went on the offensive, making accusations of white supremacy and a “high-tech lynching.”
This follows a pattern of threatening and retaliatory behavior from Anderson, both in his previous role as restorative practices coordinator at North High School as well as during his tenure as a board member. During this latest investigation, he was found to have “directed coercive and intimidating behaviors toward witnesses.”
Following a large student walkout calling for Anderson’s resignation, he did temper his tone. Again, that’s a pattern. Lash out, then take political cover.
It’s true that Anderson is only 23 and his behavior, while not ideal for any young person, isn’t altogether unusual for young men of that age. The difference of course being that most 23-year-old men aren’t directors of a school board.
Therein lies the issue, and why Anderson must resign: He lacks the maturity to fulfill his role.
Tay Anderson is seemingly all about Tay Anderson, when he should be about DPS students. He appears to lack the capability to distinguish himself from his work and the ability to understand his own problematic behaviors and how they potentially impact his constituency. It’s hard to know what Tay Anderson has accomplished for DPS students, since his public persona is primarily about promoting himself.
Where are the adults in the room? Censure was important, and imperative. But further action could and should be taken, whether it’s pressuring Anderson to resign or at minimum a commitment to monitor his interactions with DPS students.
When an individual, and not their work, becomes the story, they’re no longer fit for purpose.
Shana Goldberg may be reached at shana@ijn.com
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