Central Unified trustee Richard Atkins is apologizing for a controversial Facebook post that has sparked a petition drive calling for his resignation.

Atkins declined Monday to discuss with GV Wire what prompted his post, which said, “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.”

Comments Were ‘Insensitive’

After backlash to the post erupted, Atkins, who represents Area 4 in the southeast part of the district, subsequently released the following statement:

“Dear Community, I’m truly sorry for my insensitive comments that I posted on Facebook Saturday night. It was not my intention to upset my community and I feel terrible that I have hurt so many of you by my insensitive comments. I didn’t consider how my words have such an impact of the CUSD community. I can assure you that I meant no harm, that doesn’t change the fact that I really made a huge error in judgment by my actions. I will work hard to make sure that I am more considerate in the future, and I hope that you can forgive me. Please know that I am truly apologetic for my actions. Sincerely, Richard Atkins”

Atkins’ original Facebook post also prompted several statements from Central Unified officials. The first was a joint statement from Superintendent Andy Alvarado and board president Yesenia Z. Carrillo, saying that Atkins’ post “do not represent the views and mission” of the ethnically diverse district.

On Sunday, Alvarado followed up with a second statement that affirmed the rich diversity of the district’s and community’s population and how highly valued they are by the district.

Critics to Atkins: Resign

But by Sunday, Atkins’ apology and the district’s statements about his Facebook post had prompted at least two petition drives on change.org seeking Atkins’ resignation. As of Monday afternoon, more than 2,400 people had signed a petition posted by Fresno Black Lives Matter, and about 1,100 had signed a petition posted by Diane Gallardo.

District residents also are being urged to speak out during the public comment portion of Tuesday’s Central Unified board meeting.

On Monday afternoon, the district announced that a special meeting was scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday to talk about Atkins’ Facebook post. The meeting, which is being held virtually, can be viewed on the district’s YouTube channel. The public call-in number is (559) 276-3150.

Atkins was first elected to the board in 2014. His current term ends in 2022.