Why Kanye West is being sued by former Donda Academy teachers

Two former teachers at Kanye West’s Donda Academy are suing the artist, as well as the school and its directors, claiming that they were wrongfully terminated after raising concerns about the school’s health and safety standards.

The teachers also noted the number of odd rules enforced at the school and questionable educational practices.

Why are the former teachers suing Kanye West?

According to the lawsuit filed on Thursday at the Los Angeles County Superior Court, the teachers, who are mother and daughter, were also the only two Black teachers at the school, another factor they believe led to their firing.

Cecilia Hailey began working at the school in November, first as a substitute teacher, before becoming a full-time third-grade teacher this January. That was the same month her daughter, Chekarey Byers, started working at the school as a fifth-grade teacher.

Both women were fired in March after bringing up numerous concerns to the school leader. These concerns included what they saw as a lack of proper discipline, contributing to bullying and cases of assault, no school nurse, no janitorial staff, and a lack of adequate educational practices.

They were also concerned that the only lunch the Simi Valley school offered was sushi, as students were not allowed to bring outside lunches. According to the lawsuit, West spends $10,000 a week on sushi.

“No action was taken to remedy plaintiffs’ complaints regarding sanitation, health, safety or education standard pursuant to local and state law, which plaintiffs made throughout the entirety of their employment,” the lawsuit outlines.

The women also claimed that their paychecks would often be several thousand dollars less than they were owed.

The lawsuit offers a glimpse into the mysterious school

There is very little information about West’s Donda Academy, as parents are required to sign a non-disclosure agreement when signing their kids up.

What is known is that it is an unaccredited Christian school with tuition that costs $15,000 per student and that the all-black uniforms are Balenciaga and designed by West.

From the lawsuit, Hailey and Byers allege that the school has some unusual rules, including the banning of wearing Nike and Adidas and also jewelry.

They add that no classes are allowed on the second floor because West is “afraid of stairs,” and students aren’t allowed to do crossword puzzles or have coloring sheets. Students are not allowed to sit on chairs and are instead given foam cushions, while teachers are given stools.