Georgia principal fired after racist incident at graduation

The principal at a school in Georgia who caused an uproar after making controversial statements about black graduates has been removed from her position.

Nancy Gordeuk, the principal and founder of TNT Academy in Stone Mountain, said she accidentally skipped the valedictorian’s speech in the program, and she asked the crowd that was leaving early to come back inside of the church where the ceremony was being hosted.

As she was addressing the crowd, she was recorded by a member of the audience saying, “Look at who is leaving, all of the black people.”

Georgia NAACP President Francys Johnson said he received an email from board chair Dr. Heidi Anderson confirming that Gordeuk was removed as principal.

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.”

“I’d like to apologize to everyone who was in the crowd,” said Gordeuk to CBS46 before she was removed from her position. “I’m sorry for what I said. Like I said, the devil was in the house.”

“The Georgia NAACP applauds the immediate actions of the TNT Academy Board of Directors to terminate employment of Nancy Gordeuk, principal, regarding racial insensitive comments made during the school’s graduation exercise last Friday. Beyond the inappropriate remarks, the former principal attempted to legitimize the bizarre episode by claiming ‘the devil made her do it.’ 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,” said Johnson.

“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.”