LILBURN, Ga. — The principal who made racially charged comments during the TNT Academy's graduation ceremony has been let go from the school.
Dr. Francys Johnson, a civil rights attorney and president of the Georgia NAACP, confirmed the news about TNT's founder and principal, Nancy Gordeuk.
Gordeuk had just finished handing out diplomas on May 8 when things went awry. Gordeuk forgot to introduce the valedictorian. When he started speaking, some audience members began to leave and that was when the principal made her most controversial remark.
"Look who's leaving, all the black people," Gordeuk says.
The crowd erupted; voiced displeasure and most people appeared to leave.
The video of the remarks went viral and set off a firestorm of controversy.
In an interview with Channel 2's Jessica Jaglois, Gordeuk tried to explain her remarks.
"So I introduced him, he started speaking, then a man, he was black, came across carrying his tablet back and forth filming the students in front," Gordeuk said.
She said he was being disruptive so she called security, and people began to leave.
"Who I saw leaving were black people, so that's where the statement came from, 'Look who's leaving, all the black people,'" Gordeuk told Jaglois.
Video exclusively obtained by Channel 2 Action News showed one woman defending the school leader.
"This lady has spent countless hours, weeks, months and years. She's done a lot for our children when the public school system rejected our system," she said. "She was gravely disrespected."
Less than one week after making the comments, Gordeuk was let go.
The Georgia NAACP President Francys Johnson says he got confirmation of the firing in a letter from the school's board of directors. He issued the following statement.
"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.<br/><br/>"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."
Former students said they were glad to hear about the decision.
"It's a relief that nobody else will be treated as I was treated," said graduate Donte Lambert. "I have no hard feelings against Ms. Nancy. It's an unfortunate thing that she lost her job, but it's still a good thing that somebody else will be taking over."
Lambert's mother, Shakel Forman, was so unhappy with the comments made at graduation that she filed a complaint with the agency that oversees the school's accreditation. When asked about it Thursday, Forman said she's thinking about dropping the complaint now that Gordeuk is gone, but she's still not sure if she will.
"I would tell anyone to go back there. That wasn't the problem. It's just the negativity that we have seen from her," Forman said.
Channel 2's Tony Thomas reached out to the board's leader for a comment but has not heard back. Although Gordeuk has been let go, it is unclear whether she will stay involved with the school, since she is the owner and founder.