Rep. David Byrd (R-Waynesboro) has stepped down as chairman of the House Education Administration Subcommittee at the request of Republican Speaker Glen Casada.
Multiple women told WSMV last year that Byrd sexually abused them in the 1980s when he was their high school basketball coach, leading to an initial wave of outcry in which then-Speaker Beth Harwell said the lawmaker should resign. But he weathered that storm, in part backed by Casada, who appointed Byrd to lead the committee at the start of this year — a decision that renewed enthusiasm among protestors.
Casada did not cite the allegations of sexual abuse in a statement announcing Byrd’s removal.
“Following discussions with members of the House and after careful consideration, I have formally asked Representative Byrd to step down from his position as Chairman of the House Education Administration Subcommittee,” Casada said. “Representative Byrd agrees that this is the best path forward in ensuring the House of Representatives can focus on the issues that truly matter to all Tennesseans. This decision is based on input from members and to continue the orderly operations of the House. I thank Representative Byrd for agreeing to serve in this position, and I am confident this body will be even stronger moving forward.”
Democrats were quick to point out that Byrd’s decision to buck party leadership and vote against Republican Gov. Bill Lee’s education savings account bill in the House Education Committee came just one day before Casada’s announcement.
“I guess it was the vote yesterday where he violated his protection agreement in full education committee, voted for school children and against vouchers in the state, that finally made the speaker react,” says Nashville Democratic Rep. Bo Mitchell. “Months and months of sexual assault victims coming up here pleading didn't make the case, but within 24 hours after voting against that voucher bill he's no longer a chairman.”
Protestors attended each of the weekly committee hearings helmed by Byrd. At the first one, state troopers removed some protestors at Casada’s behest, but the ensuing meetings were less eventful.
Byrd told The Tennessean that he would not resign his House seat.
Byrd had previously announced that the House Education Administration Subcommittee would meet for the final time this year earlier this week, but the Tuesday meeting was canceled, and the group is scheduled to consider a handful of bills next week.
