Central Unified trustee on social media: Go back to the country you came from

Central Unified trustee Richard Atkins made a controversial comment on social media that quickly sparked a public outcry in the community and prompted the school district to send a statement that went against the school board member’s opinion.

In a post on his personal Facebook page, Atkins wrote: “If you don’t love the country you live in then go back to the country you or your ancestors came from.

“I’m SICK of this s***.”

Atkins’ Facebook post was screen shot and shared hundreds of times in ensuing posts, including by many who expressed anger and frustration by his remarks.

“As a parent of an African American and a former Central student and parent of student, I need someone to help me understand how a Central Unified Board member could post this,” Shay Williams wrote. “If this is how you feel on a personal level that is fine.

“However, when you represent minority students, parents, and the Central Community this is not okay. I’m seeking to understand this comment.”

Atkins’ comments come at a time when many throughout the United States are demanding racial equality and police reform.

A flood of notifications regarding Atkins’ comments prompted Central Unified Superintendent Andrew G. Alvarado and Board President Yesenia Z. Carrillo to send out a joint statement late Saturday night regarding the trustee’s post.

“We’re aware of comments made by a Central Unified board member on his personal Facebook account,” the statement read. “Those comments do not represent the views and mission of the Central Unified School District which prides itself on the richness of its diverse students and staff and the experiences they bring to the classroom.’

A few people who shared Atkins’ comments questioned if he was of Native American descent.

Atkins has been on the board since 2014. He won re-election in 2018 representing Area 4 and his current term ends in 2022.

This story was originally published June 20, 2020 at 11:12 PM.