Donda Academy

Donda Academy is a private program that is associated with Kanye West. In athletics, the institution is represented by the Donda Doves in men's high school basketball, it was founded in late 2020 in Calabasas.

On October 27, 2022, reports indicated that the school closed unexpectedly after West made antisemitic comments during interviews and on social media. The school reopened a few hours later. However, Donda Academy is currently listed as closed by the California Department of Education.

Lawsuits

In April 2023, two former teachers filed a lawsuit against the school, alleging that they were fired without any reason after complaining of health and safety violations. The teachers reported that the academy enforced unusual rules and requirements. For instance, crossword puzzles, coloring sheets, utensils, and chairs were prohibited. Students were not allowed to wear jewelry or clothing from Nike and Adidas, and classrooms were devoid of color or artwork. Additionally, all cups and bowls were required to be gray.

The school's administration, led by West, prohibited classes on the second floor due to a fear of stairs. Students were allowed to eat sushi only on the floor, as the school lacked tables, and outside food was not permitted. Moreover, there were no janitorial services or a school nurse. The use of cleaning chemicals and trash cans was banned, and one student's EpiPen was stored above a microwave.

Trevor Philips

Trevor Philips sued West for $35,000 in damages and alleges discrimination, retaliation, wrongful termination and other claims. Phillips, who was hired in November 2022 to work on a “vertical integrated crew” for the musician’s clothing brand, continued to work for the rapper until August, when Donda shut down, according to the suit, During a Sunday service at the school in May, in front of dozens of people, Ye angrily told Phillips he was fired over an apparent issue with a garden at the school, according to the suit.

When Phillips mentioned that his daughter attended Donda Academy and expressed his gratitude for the job due to a potentially serious medical condition, Ye reportedly launched into an expletive-laden tantrum, during which he disparaged both Phillips and his child, as stated in the lawsuit.

Structure

In a 2022 SLAM article, the school is described as having a lower school that is powered by K12 Private Academy, a "NCAA-approved online curriculum" that enables students to take classes wherever they may be, including at their apartment complex or "when they're on the road for games." Students live in luxury apartments with chaperones and have Ye's personal chef cook for them.

Sports

The Donda Academy is represented by the Donda Doves men's high school basketball team, which presumably has backing from the Donda Sports organization that was founded in 2022.