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 passion, 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.
April 2023: Two teachers sue for racial discrimination and wrongful termination
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.
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Even more damning claims stated that West had banned books about black history and allowed bullying and a lack of discipline to run rampant at his school. He has not addressed any of the allegations.
June 2023: A third teacher sues for wrongful termination
Timanii Meeks joined Hailey and Byers in their suit in June 2023 and alleged that she was fired after also expressing concerns about some of the alleged harmful conditions at Donda Academy, according to Forbes.
The educator — who had worked at the school since August 2022 — claimed via her lawyer that she had witnessed “illegal and disturbing code violations,” including exposed electrical wiring, loose baseboards and “significant issues” with assaults and bullying on campus.
She claimed parents complained to her that there were no “educational items” in the classrooms and that she was reprimanded and fired shortly after without an explanation.
July 2023: Gym teacher sues for wrongful termination, breach of contract and multiple education, health, safety and labor violations
Isaiah Meadows filed his lawsuit against Donda Academy in July 2023, nearly a year after he was fired.
The gym teacher claimed he was let go in August 2022 in retaliation for voicing concerns about certain safety issues, including the school having no windows.
He alleged that there was only a skylight — which at times emitted a “moldy smell” — and no glass because “West expressed that he did not like glass,” per the suit.
Other hazardous concerns included allegations of exposed telephone and electrical wires, no working hot water and an overflowing septic tank.
August 2023: A date is set for a jury trial
Hailey and Byers, the mother-daughter teaching duo who were the first to file a lawsuit against West and Donda Academy, were granted a jury trial in August 2023. It is scheduled for April 9, 2025.
Their attorney, Ron Zambrano, told NBC News at the time that he and his clients were “looking forward to our day in court if this can’t be worked out in mediation with Ye and the other defendants acknowledging wrongdoing.”
He added, “Through his attorneys, Ye has told the judge of his willingness to engage in good faith negotiations.”
August 2023: School directors are dropped as defendants from lawsuits
Later in August 2023, a judge dismissed Donda Academy school directors Allison Tidwell, Brianne Cambell and Chris Julian from Hailey and Byers’ case, according to Fox LA.
West’s attorneys are reportedly trying to get the same for their client, claiming that the “Power” rapper has “nothing to do with Donda’s policies, practices and procedures relating to employee pay and wage statements.”
A decision on Ye’s involvement is scheduled for Jan. 4, 2024.
