TN Representative Scotty Campbell Resigns Following Sexual Harassment Allegations

Image Credit: capitol.tn.gov

The Tennessee Conservative [By Adelia Kirchner] –

Representative Scotty Campbell (R-Mountain City-District 3) has resigned after news broke to the public on Thursday that he had allegedly been found in violation of the Tennessee General Assembly’s workplace harassment policy. 

It has been reported that the harassment complaint was brought by a legislative intern, and a second legislative intern has since been included in the allegations.

For reference, the state legislature’s intern program consists of young adults who are enrolled in an institution of higher learning. 

Campbell has been accused of making several inappropriate comments of a sexual nature and possibly taking other actions both on and off Capitol property, which made the intern(s) uncomfortable. 

Supposedly, the legislature has paid to ship one of the intern’s furniture items back to her home and moved her from the apartment building where she and Campbell each rented their own apartments for this legislative session, to a downtown hotel for the rest of her internship.

Prior to his resignation, Campbell told NewsChannel 5 that he “had consensual, adult conversations with two adults off property.” He went on to say that if he chose to talk to any interns in the future, it would be recorded.

Whether or not these specific allegations are substantiated, a House Ethics Subcommittee made up of two Democrats and two Republicans found Campbell in violation of the General Assembly workplace discrimination and harassment policy.

On April 20^th, WTVF NewsChannel 5’s Phil Williams released a memorandum dated March 29^th, 2023, stating that the House Subcommittee on Workplace Discrimination and Harassment found Campbell in violation of General Assembly policy. 

According to the memo, “The Subcommittee strongly urges all individuals, including the media, to respect the privacy of those involved in this complaint,” and, “In accordance with the Policy and Rule 82, no further information concerning this complaint will be released.”

Ethics Subcommittee members conduct closed meetings on confidential complaints and are barred from publicly discussing their proceedings. They are not personally allowed to take any disciplinary action but are to discreetly place a memo in the relevant representative’s personnel file.

Campbell turned in his letter of immediate resignation on Thursday afternoon when the House of Representatives broke for lunch and did not return to his seat.

Before the House adjourned on Thursday evening, Rep. Justin Jones (D-) attempted to address the matter during announcements saying, “Today a very serious action took place […] A member of this body resigned.” 

Rep. Jones then attempted to ask a series of questions he had prepared, but due to the private nature of the situation and the attempt to discuss it during a time typically dedicated to committee business and social event announcements, he was cut off.  

Campbell has officially been removed from the Tennessee General Assembly’s current directory, and his district’s seat has been labeled vacant. 

The state’s 3^rd District will now be required to hold a special election to fill the vacancy in accordance with Section 15 of the Tennessee Constitution.

About the Author: Adelia Kirchner is a Tennessee resident and reporter for the Tennessee Conservative. Currently the host of Subtle Rampage Podcast, she has also worked for the South Dakota State Legislature and interned for Senator Bill Hagerty’s Office in Nashville, Tennessee. You can reach Adelia at adelia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.