Aftyn Behn is one of the fiercest grassroots activists I’ve ever had the pleasure to work with. We need her in Washington.
After we successfully recalled Judge Persky, we launched Enough is Enough chapters across the country to support local organizers holding sexual abusers accountable in their own communities. Aftyn Behn helped lead the charge in deep-red Tennessee.
Recently pardoned Tennessee Speaker Glenn Casada appointed a credibly accused pedophile, David Byrd, to lead the subcommittee that oversees Tennessee’s public schools. I have to say credibly accused, but he actually apologized to one of his accusers. We couldn’t believe it, and neither could Aftyn.
Back then, Aftyn was still an un-elected volunteer who could not be held back from fighting for women’s rights. She didn’t just post about having Byrd removed — she went to the State House, protested, led a peaceful sit-in outside the Governor’s office, and was ultimately arrested. She put her body and her reputation on the line to protect children from sexual violence. I am so inspired by her bravery.
A lot of politicians in Washington are talking a big game about grassroots organizing, standing up to authoritarianism, and protecting children from sexual predators right now, but you see how that’s going. Aftyn Behn is the real deal.
