The issue of sexual abuse has been elevated in the news along with the responses of those entrusted with positions of power and influence in our state. Such is the case with Representative David Byrd, who has been publicly accused of abusing three of his former students. My first and foremost concern is that our state, community, and schools are safe places to disclose abuse so that those harmed can receive help and healing. I think of a young person today who feels trapped and scared and is wondering if their disclosures will be heard. Will they be supported? Or, will they be shunned and accused of lying?
It has been almost two years since the beginning of the Me Too movement. Adult women and men have felt empowered to share their stories of sexual harassment and abuse they suffered as adults and children. My hope is that the Me Too reckoning that has revealed widespread abuses, threats, and silencing of adults and adults who were victimized as children will lead to reforms in abuse prevention and response to abuse allegations to protect children today. In order for this to happen in Tennessee, our leaders must open their hearts and their ears and listen to the adult survivors who have come forward with allegations abuse during their childhoods. Much can be learned from their experiences to protect children today.
It is a tragedy that the women who accused Representative David Byrd of child sexual abuse while he was their coach and teacher did not feel empowered to bring the allegations to the attention of the authorities during the statute of limitations. Unfortunately, delayed disclosure for child sexual abuse is the norm. That is one of the reasons for the widespread statute of limitations reforms that are being passed in many states. Work also must be done to empower children to identity and report abuse so that time gap between abuse and reporting is shortened. Some factors I have heard that have delayed or impacted reporting are the following:
- Misunderstanding of the power differential between the offender and child
- Misconception that the sexual contact involving a teacher and student is a relationship or affair, not abuse
- Impressions that a child is culpable in the abuse
- The offender is a beloved member of the community
- Fears of being disbelieved
- Threats and retaliation
These are valid concerns, and they did turn out to be warranted in the cases against Representative Byrd. When the accusations were first publicized, both former House Speaker Harwell and Lt. Gov. McNally called on Representative Byrd to resign. However, Representative Glen Casada supported Representative Byrd and used tax dollars to attack Byrd’s accusers. It is true that Byrd’s community supported him through in his re-elections.
Quoted from the article, Christi Rice says,
“Since that time, we have basically been ostracized, called liars.”
The sexual abuse of children under the care of a teacher or coach is a grave betrayal of trust. Though it is past the statute of limitations both criminally and civilly, the accusations have been brought forth publicly and a confession has been publicized. Since meeting with Christi Rice, Governor Bill Lee found her accusations credible and has stated that he wants Byrd to publicly answer to the allegations. There is nothing stopping Byrd’s fellow lawmakers from publicly asking the same.
I am thankful that these women brought forth their accusations against Byrd to the public. An individual who holds public office holds the public trust. Past sexual violation of juveniles under one’s care is a violation of trust that makes one unfit to represent the people of Tennessee. In Byrd’s case, he has been publicly accused by three former students, the accusations are supported by a recording and the testimony of another school employee. He has not denied the abuse. He remained silent while Casada publicly attacked the accusers. Thus, on a moral level, his silence makes him complicit with the retribution that his former students, particularly Christi Rice, receives.
My question is, how will the rest of the legislature respond? At this point, no one is being forced to speak up. I would hope that leaders in our state would recognize the importance of nurturing an environment in our state that protects children from abuse and promotes disclosures of abuse. I have read that there was a “culture of fear” in the last legislative session. If it has been frightening for grown adults to speak up on this issue of child sexual abuse, imagine what it must be like for a vulnerable child in the midst of an abuse. Our leaders must demonstrate courage on behalf of the vulnerable in Tennessee.
A recent news report from WKRN News 2 reports,
“Tennessee graded out an ‘F’ in a 2016 USA Today investigation into educator-student sexual misconduct in schools. A central focus of that study, the ease at which an employee with a history could move from one district to another”
and
“But out of inaction has come a considerable response. Last year, the Tennessee legislature passed five laws aimed directly at protecting students. One, outlawed those non-disclosures between teachers and districts. Another added a 30-day timeline, mandating school directors report misconduct, including sexual, to the state board of education.”
As a state, we have made progress, but I do believe that we have a long way to go. I am going to share an article of a recent case that was well documented with the perpetrator convicted. Quoted from the article,
“The victim said she lost several friends at DC Dance Factory after reporting the abuse, and her family ultimately moved out of state.”
This story is a real tragedy. Not only did the victim suffer abuse, she suffered secondary abuse by her community.
I am asking that those of you who read this consider what I have shared and take whatever action you can to make Tennessee a safe and supportive state for those who come forward with abuse allegations.