Detroit school board chief resigns, accused of fondling himself in front of superintendent

Detroit school board chief resigns amid complaint

DETROIT — Detroit’s school board is refusing to reinstate its former president after he was accused of fondling himself in front of the district’s superintendent.

Board members gave a letter to Otis Mathis on Friday, saying his request for reinstatement was denied.

The 56-year-old resigned Thursday, the same day General Superintendent Teresa Gueyser filed her complaint. In a detailed letter to the board, she says Mathis repeatedly fondled himself using a handkerchief as they discussed school matters Wednesday.

The letter says she “asked him not to touch himself” on several occasions and he eventually apologized.

Mathis declined comment Friday. In his resignation letter, he says he “made inappropriate actions.”

Messages left Friday at Gueyser’s office weren’t returned.