Kanye West’s Donda Academy was once touted as a cutting-edge educational institution that would revolutionize the way we think about schooling. But now, former teachers from the academy are suing West, alleging that the school was not only unsafe but that students were only allowed to eat sushi. The revelations have sparked controversy, with many questioning whether the academy’s vision was ever truly attainable or if it was merely an extravagant vanity project for the rapper. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the allegations against West and the implications they hold for the future of education in America.
Kanye West’s Donda Academy, a private Christian school for students from pre-kindergarten to 12th grade, is facing a lawsuit from two former teachers. The lawsuit, filed by third-grade teacher Cecilia Hailey and fifth-grade teacher Chekarey Byers, alleges labor violations and complaints about health and safety hazards within the school. These allegations include restrictive and unusual rules for teachers and students, a lack of janitorial services, and a failure to meet Department of Education and state regulations. Additionally, the teachers claim they were retaliated against and ultimately fired for their complaints to the school’s administration.
One notable claim in the lawsuit is that kids at the school were only allowed to eat sushi, and other meals were not provided. In addition, the school allegedly had no janitorial services, causing unclean conditions for both students and teachers. The suit also claims that West prohibited teachers and students from wearing any jewellery and that there were no disciplinary systems in place.
Hailey and Byers were the only Black teachers at the school, and they allege that their complaints were not taken seriously. They claim that the principal, Moira Love, called two of them “aggressive” when they raised concerns.
The lawsuit further alleges that Byers did not receive her first paycheck and that Hailey and Byers often did not receive the full amount they were owed. The attorneys representing the plaintiffs claim that these conditions are an example of West’s inability to run a school, stating that “Kanye needs to realize his genius is in creating music, not in school administration.”
The lawsuit also details several unusual rules and restrictions at the academy, such as no crossword puzzles or coloring sheets, no classes on the second floor due to West’s fear of stairs, and no chairs in the school. Students were required to wear black West-designed apparel, and brands like Nike and Adidas were not allowed. Cups and bowls had to be gray, and children were required to sit on foam cushions or stand during class. Students allegedly had to eat lunch on the floor, and recess was indoors due to restrictions on going outside.
The plaintiffs are seeking damages for wrongful termination, unpaid wages, and labor code violations. Donda Academy has not released a statement on the lawsuit, and West’s attorney has yet to respond to requests for comment.
In a press release accompanying the lawsuit, Hailey stated that “I’m just tired of the rhetoric being that Black women who are competent are seen as aggressive.” Byers expressed her disappointment at the situation, stating that “while his vision for the school sounds great on paper, it’s just pure chaos and mutiny. It’s like a mental hospital being run by the patients.”
This lawsuit is not the first time West has faced criticism for his management of the school. Donda Academy is unaccredited, and concerns about its curriculum and adherence to state regulations have been raised in the past. West has also faced backlash for allegedly profiting off the sale of school uniforms and merchandise.
Overall, the allegations in this lawsuit paint a picture of a poorly run school with significant health and safety hazards, employment violations, and unusual restrictions on both teachers and students. As the case progresses, it remains to be seen what action Donda Academy or West will take in response to these claims.
In conclusion, the allegations of former Donda Academy teachers suing Kanye West due to concerns about the school’s safety and limited food options has sparked a debate about the true intentions behind the academy. While Kanye West may have had the best of intentions in creating the school, it is clear that there were some shortcomings that need to be addressed. It is important to ensure that all students are provided with a safe and healthy learning environment, and it is up to educators and school administrators to ensure that this is the case. As this story continues to unfold, it is certain that there will be much more discussion and analysis surrounding the potential impact of Donda Academy on the educational world.
