Donda Academy lawsuits and timeline: Why Kanye West’s school is being sued
Kanye West’s dream of being a leader in the academic world has quickly turned into a nightmare.
In 2022, the “Jesus Walks” rapper opened the private Christian school Donda Academy, named after his mom who died of plastic surgery complications in 2007, in Chatsworth, Calif.
The school for pre-kindergarteners through 12th-graders previously touted on its now-deleted website that its mission was “to provide the youth with the pᴀssion, purpose and spiritual foundations they need to thrive in tomorrow’s world.”In October 2022, Donda Academy very briefly closed its doors amid the fallout from West’s antisemitic comments. However, it reopened within hours, telling parents and the community via an email at the time, “We are back and returning with a vengeance! The children of Donda are going to change the world!”
The academy — attended by children of notable names like Keyshia Cole and Boston Celtics player Jaylen Brown (but not West’s own kids) — went on to continue for the remainder of the 2022-2023 school year.
However, lawsuits filed in the spring of 2023 revealed shocking claims that appear to show Donda Academy may just be an avenue for West to push his own agenda onto young, impressional minds.
Cecilia Hailey and Chekarey Byers claimed in court documents obtained by Page Six in April 2023 that they were the only black women hired to work at West’s school and had experienced discrimination.
The educators alleged that they were at times labeled as “aggressive” in front of colleagues, perpetuating stereotypes about black women. They argued in their defense they were just “doing their job and voicing their legitimate concerns in order to provide a safe environment and proper education for their students.”
Hailey and Byers were terminated on March 3, 2023, which they claim was done without “a reason.”Following their exits, the teachers revealed the controversial limitations to which students were allegedly subjected, including being fed only sushi for lunch and prohibited from doing crossword puzzles, having recess or going outdoors.
