GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — Channel 2 Action News has obtained more video of a controversial graduation ceremony last weekend where a school principal made what many view as racial comments.
Channel 2's Tony Thomas obtained new video exclusively and was told it would shed more context on what happened during that controversial graduation at the TNT Academy.
The video does show the tense moments at times that led up to the school founders remarks.... And two parents who spoke up in her defense after the fact.
TNT founder Nancy Gordeuk had just finished handing out diploma's when things went awry.
Gordeuk forgot to introduce the valedictorian. When he started speaking, an audience member began walking around.
“Sir, do you want to be arrested? Sit down,” she says.
Gordeuk called security as some in the crowd seemed to urge him on.
“Ya'll owe this man an apology, especially that goober that was coming through with his little thing,” Gordeuk says. “Where are you, you little coward? Come on back up here and let's talk.”
A few 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.
“I apologize, that was a racist remark,” she said.
Then, one woman tried to defend 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.”
After the valedictorian finished his speech, Gordeuk took the mic one more time.
“I apologize to any parents who are left here, anybody who knows me knows I did not mean that in a racial manner, i was frustrated at that man because i wanted hank to have the respect he needed to give his speech.
WSBTV
