Nancy Gordeuk, the white principal whose “all you Black people” comments went viral during the recent graduation ceremony at Georgia’s TNT Academy.
Reports 11Alive:
The private school principal who gained national attention for a racially charged comment she made during a graduation ceremony has been fired.
Dr. Heidi Anderson, chair of the board of directors at TNT Academy, wrote in a letter 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. 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.
During last Friday’s graduation celebration, Gordeuk accidentally dismissed attendees before the school valedictorian could give a speech. As people began filing out of the room, she asked them to come back, then said, “Look who’s leaving, all the black people.”
Georgia NAACP President Francys Johnson said the organization is pleased with the board’s decision.
“Beyond the inappropriate remarks, the former principal attempted to legitimize the bizarre episode by claiming ‘the devil made her do it,'” Johnson said in a statement emailed to 11Alive News. “This is not just about Mrs. Gordeuk’s comments. 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.”
Following the incident, Gordeuk gave a contradictory apology, blaming the devil for her actions but still admitted she didn’t feel like her comments warranted all the attention.
Obviously, she was wrong.
