Fresno Unified School District trustee Keshia Thomas publicly apologized on Monday to former Bullard High School football coach Don Arax after admitting that the accusation she made in 2022—that Arax used a racial slur against her son—was founded on inaccurate information.
Apology and its wording
In a written statement, Thomas said, “Mr. Arax, I sincerely apologize to you and your family. I believed the information I had at the time, but I have since learned that the information I relied upon was not accurate. Had I known then what I know today, I would not have made those statements.” She added that she could not undo her earlier remarks but would take responsibility for them.
Background of the dispute
The controversy began in 2022 when Thomas, speaking on the GV Wire “Unfiltered” podcast, alleged that Arax had used a racial slur against her son, Albert Alford Jr., during a 2013 football practice. Following the allegation, Arax was released from his coaching position at Bullard High. He subsequently filed a defamation lawsuit against Thomas and the district, a case that remains pending.
Earlier this week, the Fresno Teachers Association (FTA) called for Thomas to resign, citing a loss of public trust stemming from the ongoing litigation. The FTA also urged transparency regarding the legal costs to the district and board decisions related to the case.
Recent developments
Thomas’ apology comes a day after the FTA’s resignation demand. The teachers’ union’s president, Manuel Bonilla, said, “A trustee made a serious public accusation about a district employee. Four years later, the factual foundation of that accusation is being challenged, conflicting accounts have emerged, and Trustee Thomas has abandoned the defense that her statements were true. The question now is whether the community can still trust her judgment.”
The FTA also emphasized that the issue extends beyond a single legal filing, noting the broader impact on district resources and community confidence.
Legal timeline
Arax’s defamation case is scheduled to begin on December 7, 2026. Fresno Unified has filed a motion to be dismissed from the suit, which a judge is set to hear on October 7, 2026. Last month, a judge denied Thomas’ request to be dismissed from the case.
At the time of publication, Arax could not be reached for comment.
Implications for the district
The episode highlights the challenges school boards face when trustees make public statements that later prove unsubstantiated. It also raises questions about how districts manage legal defenses funded by taxpayers and how board members are held accountable for statements that affect staff reputations.
While Thomas did not address the FTA’s call for her resignation in her apology, the board’s next steps regarding her position and any potential disciplinary action remain to be seen.
Original reporting: Fresnoland — read the source article.
