Former Fresno Unified Employee Filed Sexual Harassment Suit

A former staffer alleges he was coerced into sexual acts by a human resources director after his pay was reduced.

Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Sex Crimes

Former Fresno Unified Employee Filed Sexual Harassment Suit

Ja'Vance Coleman has filed a lawsuit against the Fresno Unified School District alleging sexual harassment and retaliation. The complaint claims a former human resources director pressured him into sexual encounters through threats and financial compensation.

Why it matters

The suit highlights allegations of professional misconduct and power abuse involving a high-ranking school district administrator. These claims raise questions about how the district managed personnel issues and internal accountability during the 2025-26 school year.

A formal complaint was filed against Fresno Unified in October 2026. The lawsuit centers on allegations of sexual harassment and professional retaliation following a pay reduction from $35 to $25 an hour.

The players

Ja'Vance Coleman

He is the former Fresno Unified employee who filed a lawsuit alleging harassment and retaliation by a supervisor.

Manjit Atwal

She is the former director of human resources for the Fresno Unified School District who resigned in March 2026.

Fresno Unified School District

This is the primary public school system in Fresno that is currently named as a defendant in the civil lawsuit.

The details

Coleman alleges that Manjit Atwal, the former director of human resources, leveraged her position to demand sexual favors while threatening his job security and his family. The plaintiff claims that Atwal provided cash and gift cards to supplement his lost wages and once attempted to bribe him with $300 to lie to investigators.

Spring 2023: Ja'Vance Coleman was hired by the Fresno Unified School District.
2025-26 school year: Manjit Atwal was placed on paid administrative leave.
March 2026: Manjit Atwal resigned from her position at the district.
October 2026: The lawsuit against Fresno Unified was formally filed.

Legal Context

This lawsuit follows a pattern set by the 2017 #MeToo movement workplace accountability standards regarding the exploitation of power in employment settings. It reflects a growing trend of litigating workplace sexual misconduct against public school districts.

The lawsuit brings attention to internal oversight practices within the Fresno Unified School District. Local families and staff may expect further scrutiny regarding the school district's hiring and human resources protocols.

The takeaway

Workplace policies regarding mandatory reporting and internal investigations are critical to preventing the abuse of administrative power. Employees who feel threatened by supervisors should document all interactions and seek legal guidance early in the process.