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Donda Academy educator quits amid Kanye West’s anti-Semitic comments – The Hollywood Reporter

October 25, 2022

Academic advisor at Kanye “Ye” West’s unaccredited K-8 private Christian school, who holds senior positions at two Jewish educational institutions, has resigned, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.

Tamar Andrews, who had worked with Donda Academy since July and officially stepped down earlier this month, is the director of early childhood education at Temple Isaiah and American Jewish University, on both websites. institutions. Allison Samek, president of Temple Isaiah of Los Angeles, said THR in a statement: “Dr. Andrews immediately resigned from Donda Academy following Ye West’s tweet. Her last day was October 11, 2022 as she felt she could no longer support the organization.

West has been widely condemned in recent days for his repeated anti-Semitic comments. Andrews has not yet responded to THR’s multiple requests for comment, and AJU declined to share a statement.

The rapper quietly opened Donda Academy, located in Simi Valley, in November 2021. Tuition hovers at $15,000 per year, and to attend, students (which currently total less than 100) must sign an NDA, and they are often seen wearing Adidas Yeezy Foam RNR Shoes as part of their uniform. The principal of the school is Pepperdine University graduate student Brianne Campbell (who is also the choir director of Ye’s Sunday Service group).

West’s anti-Semitic statements – on social media and in interviews – have provoked CAA, Balenciaga, vogue and JP Morgan Chase to say they will no longer be working with the star. Adidas, the company West has worked with since 2013 to manufacture and distribute items from his Yeezy apparel and footwear line, has yet to make a statement about the future of their relationship with the musician and designer other than to say. that the company is “under review”. .” (Morningstar analyst David Swartz said The Washington Post that West’s line generates around $2 billion for the German company each year).

However, several Hollywood heavyweights (including Endeavor CEO Ari Emanuel and UTA chief Jeremy Zimmer) chose to speak out against the entertainer, particularly after an anti-Semitic banner was hung. tolerating his hate speech with statements like “Kanye is right about the Jews” on the 405 freeway in Los Angeles last weekend. On Monday, October 24, West’s ex-wife, Kim Kardashian, released a statement condemning anti-Semitism and hate speech.

“We condemn the anti-Semitic incidents over the weekend. Jewish Angelenos should always feel safe,” Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said. posted on Twitter in response to the incident.

“This is an outrageous effort to fan the flames of anti-Semitism gripping the nation. This group, known for espousing anti-Semitism and white supremacist ideology, is now taking advantage of the Ye’s anti-Semitism and is proof that hate begets more hate. tweeted Jeffrey Abrams, ADL of Los Angeles Regional Manager.

In an interview with rolling stoneAndrews supported the academy’s decision to have each student’s parents sign “informal agreements”.

“Honestly, we don’t care if people know about the school,” she said. “People who want to come to school look for a good Christian school in that area and they know we’re there… there’s also a certain notoriety that comes from being affiliated with Donda. So, I don’t know if we have to advertise, which is a blessing and a curse. »

The academy, which has 16 full-time teachers, is currently accepting applications for the 2023-2024 school year.

According to the Donda Academy website, “Students at Donda grow in their faith and community through daily whole-school worship and celebration at Sunday Service,” which is the spiritual home of the gospel choir. of West. He continues, “Our experienced educators have an uncompromising passion for creating lifelong learners and disciples of Christ.”

Update: October 24, 6:36 p.m. Updated with news of Dr Andrews’ resignation.