Keshia Thomas faces resignation calls amid defamation lawsuit

Fresno Unified School District Trustee Keshia Thomas is facing calls for her resignation following a defamation lawsuit filed by former Bullard High School coach Don Arax. The lawsuit stems from allegations made by Thomas in 2022, where she claimed Arax used a racial slur toward her son.

In recent legal proceedings, Thomas acknowledged that her earlier statements were not accurate. Additionally, Thomas’ son reportedly reversed a previous sworn statement in which he claimed the slur was never used. Thomas has issued an apology to Arax and his family but has rejected calls to step down from the school board or her campaign for Fresno City Council.

The Fresno Teachers Association has formally called for her resignation, citing a loss of public trust. The school district is also reconsidering its commitment to cover Thomas’ legal fees, which have exceeded $350,000, noting that the initial agreement to pay was based on the assumption that her account was accurate.