Georgia Principal Fired over ‘Black People’ Graduation Comment
The principal whose racist comments at a graduation ceremony last week garnered national attention and sparked outrage has been fired.
Dr. Heidi Anderson, chair of the board of directors at TNT Academy in Stone Mountain, GA, wrote in an email sent to the Gwinnett County NAACP that the board voted to dismiss school director Nancy Gordeuk.
“In light of recent events, the board of directors of TNT Academy has moved to dismiss Nancy Gordeuk as principal,” Anderson said in the email. “During the coming transition, we will continue to prioritize support for our most recent graduates. Moreover, we will continue our commitment to providing students with the best educational classes, transcription services, and academic credit recovery possible.”
The decision to fire the private school director comes less than a week after she made racially charged comments at a graduation ceremony. Gordeuk accidentally dismissed the audience before the valedictorian gave his speech. As people began to leave, she angrily yelled, “Look who’s leaving, all the black people.”
Gordeuk later apologized to parents in an email, saying, “The devil was in the house and came out from my mouth. I deeply apologize for my racist comment and hope that forgiveness is in your hearts.”
Her apology was not enough.
Georgia NAACP President Francys Johnson released a statement late Thursday morning applauding the TNT Academy board’s action.
“Beyond the inappropriate remarks, the former principal attempted to legitimize the bizarre episode by claiming ‘the devil made her do it,” Johnson said in the statement emailed to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “The Flip Wilson defense may have worked for a comedian, but not a chief educational official charged with the overall day-to-day management of academic and school operations.”
Johnson added that the NAACP “would defend Mrs. Gordeuk’s right as a private citizen to free speech. However, those entrusted with responsibility for our children must set a high standard marked by civility. That is obviously a test the former principal failed.”
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