Legal Update: Donda Academy Directors Removed from Lawsuit
Former Donda Academy Directors Withdrawn as Defendants
In a surprising twist, the directors of Ye’s Donda Academy have been excluded from an ongoing lawsuit. The case, brought by two former Donda teachers, alleges wrongful termination after they voiced concerns about work conditions and wage violations.
Allegations and Legal Developments
Cecilia Hailey and Chekarey Byers, former educators at the Simi Valley school, are pursuing a legal battle. Their lawsuit, filed in the Los Angeles Superior Court, names the 46-year-old rapper Kanye West and the school itself. The plaintiffs, the academy’s only Black female teachers, claim unlawful wage withholding and wrongful dismissal in March.
Shift in Legal Strategy
Directors No Longer Defendants: A Strategic Move
In a notable maneuver, the plaintiffs’ legal team has dropped the case against Donda Academy directors Allison Tidwell, Brianne Cambell, and Chris Julian. The court filing, presented to Judge Robert B. Broadbelt, does not detail the reasoning behind this decision.
Upholding Confidentiality: Agreement in Place
Judge Broadbelt’s involvement extends beyond the dismissal. He endorsed an order solidifying an agreement between the parties to maintain confidentiality of specific documents and testimonies, including those tied to depositions. This emphasizes the sensitive nature of the case.
A Pending Verdict
Kanye West’s Role: Pending Judge’s Decision
On January 4, Judge Broadbelt is set to rule on a motion by Kanye West’s legal team. The motion aims to remove him as a defendant in the case. At the heart of the dispute is an alleged violation of the state Labor Code, with the plaintiffs claiming West provided inaccurate and untimely wage statements.
Defense and Counterclaims
Kanye West’s legal team strongly challenges the allegations. They argue that the rapper has no involvement in Donda’s policies, practices, and employee compensation procedures. The defense sees the plaintiffs’ claims as an attempt to exploit West’s fame for publicity and settlement pressure.
Allegations Beyond Compensation
Claims Extend to Academy Environment
The plaintiffs’ claims encompass more than just wages. They assert that Donda Academy lacks an effective disciplinary system, leading to severe bullying for some students. Additionally, the academy’s approach to cleaning reportedly avoids chemical products, leaving teachers to use unconventional methods.
Sudden Termination: Plaintiffs’ Account
The lawsuit highlights the unexpected moment when plaintiffs Cecilia Hailey and Chekarey Byers were informed of their termination in the academy’s parking lot on March 3. This sudden end to their employment is a central aspect of their legal claims.