Anderson, accused of sex assault, is OK with investigation
Denver Public Schools board member Tay Anderson said Sunday he would cooperate with any investigation into the allegations of sexual assault and misconduct made against him in recent days.
During a Sunday afternoon news conference, Anderson again denied any wrongdoing and said he could not fully address the allegations without more details of the alleged incidents.
“I have not sexually assaulted anyone,” Anderson said. “And I am not aware of a situation that could be construed as sexual assault.”
On Friday, Black Lives Matter 5280 said in a published a statement that a woman came to the group and said Anderson sexually assaulted her. Black Lives Matter 5280 did not name the woman or release details of the alleged assault.
The Denver Public Schools Board of Education issued a statement Saturday saying it confirmed there is no pending charge or criminal investigation related to the allegation.
Additionally, three former members of Never Again Colorado — a now-disbanded youth organization for gun reform that Anderson led and which planned the 2018 March for Our Lives in Denver — told The Denver Post they witnessed sexual misconduct by Anderson.
Madison Rose, the group’s former vice president, told The Post that the misconduct ranged from unwanted compliments to
unwelcome sexual advances, and said Anderson used his position as the group’s president to pressure women who were involved or wanted to be involved with the group into having sex with him.
Anderson’s attorney, Christopher Decker, on Sunday said the claims had “no basis in fact or truth” and that Anderson welcomed a “responsible investigation” into the allegations.
“Honoring the victims of sexual violence is important,” Decker said. “So too is holding those responsible for it accountable. This is precisely why we must be careful in times like this to ensure volatile allegations do not eclipse the truth, that media cycles don’t crush good people. And that anonymous claims don’t ruin lives.”
Anderson, who on Sunday was accompanied by the mother of his unborn child and his immediate family, at times teared up and struggled to speak as he addressed reporters.
“When I ran for the Denver School Board, I wanted to uplift community, not tear it apart,” he said.
“In less than 50 days, I myself will become a father, and I want my son to be able to look up to his dad, not be ashamed of him.
“Our communities deserve leaders they can trust. And right now I’m truly looking forward to building that trust in the coming days.”