RESOLUTION #19/20-64
BEFORE THE GOVERNING BOARD
OF THE CENTRAL UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
DENOUNCING BOARD MEMBER STATEMENT
WHEREAS, Board Bylaw 9000, “Role of the Board,” recognizes that Board Members are
elected to “provide leadership” and that the Board shall “ensure that the District is responsive to
the values, beliefs, and priorities of the community;”
WHEREAS, Board Bylaw 9005, “Governance Standards,” states that the Board’s
“primary responsibility is to act in the best interest of every student in the District;”
WHEREAS, Board Bylaw 9005 further states that the Board “also has major commitments to
parents/guardians, all members of the community, employees, the State of California, laws
pertaining to public education, and established policies of the District;”
WHEREAS, Board Bylaw 9005 further states that “To maximize Board effectiveness and public
confidence in District governance, Board members are expected to govern responsibly and hold
themselves to the highest standards of ethical conduct;”
WHEREAS, Board Bylaw 9005 further states that each individual Board member shall
“Recognize and respect differences of perspective and style on the Board and among staff,
students, parents and the community;”
WHEREAS, Board Bylaw 9005 further states that each individual Board member shall “Act
with dignity, and understand the implications of demeanor and behavior;”
WHEREAS, Board Bylaw 9005 further states that Board members “shall assume collective
responsibility for building unity and creating a positive organization culture,” and “Govern in a
dignified and professional manner, treating everyone with civility and respect;” and
WHEREAS, on or about June 20, 2020, former Trustee Richard Atkins posted on his personal
social media page the following statement:
“If you don’t Love the Country you live in, then go back to the country you or
your ancestors came from. I am SICK of this Shit.”
WHEREAS, Mr. Atkins’ social media post was widely circulated, the subject of news and
media reports, and caused outrage and frustration within the community and beyond;
WHEREAS, Mr. Atkins' issued an apology statement on June 21, 2020 and resigned from the
Governing Board effective on June 24, 2020.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE GOVERNING BOARD OF THE CENTRAL UNIFIED
SCHOOL DISTRICT HEREBY STATES AS FOLLOWS:

  

1.

The Board denounces Mr. Atkins’ social media statement as referenced herein,
and on the basis that this statement was insensitive and does not represent the
views and mission of the District.

2.

The Board proclaims its pride of the diversity of the District’s students and staff
and the experiences they bring to the educational environment.

3.

The Board commits to participating in District provided diversity training and/or
anti-racism training.

PASSED AND ADOPTED by the following vote of the members of the Governing Board of
the Central Unified School District of Fresno County, State of California, this 30th day of June,
2020.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTENTIONS:
ABSENT:

APPROVE:
BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE
CENTRAL UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
By:
______________________________
Yesenia Z. Carrillo
President of the Board of Trustees of
the Central Unified School District
ATTEST:
BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE CENTRAL
UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
By:
______________________________
Naindeep Singh Chann
Clerk of the Board of Trustees of
the Central Unified School District