FRESNO (KMJ) — A member of Fresno Unified’s school board has alleged that the district engages in revenge tactics against staff members who dare to speak out.
The allegation from Trustee Terry Slatic was made on KMJ’s Broeske and Musson on Thursday. Slatic described employees who remain quiet in fear of what would happen otherwise.
“They say nothing, because the history of this school district is fear and retribution.”
Slatic said there was no help given to the student involved in the Bullard High School incident in January (click here to read more) and that was indicative of the system in place at Fresno Unified School District.
He said he has emails from teachers showing that they tried to help him but were unable to.
“My favorite one is from a vice principal to a teacher saying ‘we need to put this kid somewhere,’ saying ‘there is no somewhere’.”
“I’m a trustee, folks. There is somewhere where we have places to get kids help.”
Responding to his comments on KMJ, fellow trustee Veva Islas wrote on Twitter that it was upsetting that the student involved would be publicly villainized by Slatic.
It is upsetting that Trustee Slatic would publicly villainize the student he assaulted by disclosing the students behavioral history on the radio. This tactic is so reminiscent of perpetrators who work to discredit their victims in order to justify their actions. Shameful!
— Trustee Veva Islas (@VoteVeva) April 5, 2019
In response to Slatic’s initial allegation, Fresno Unified declined to detail specifics in a statement to KMJ News. “While the district will not speak to specific supports provided to a minor, Trustee Slatic’s allegations are not rooted in fact.”
Hear the report from KMJ’s Dominic McAndrew as it aired:
