The artist formerly known as Kanye West’s Donda Academy is immediately closing for the remainder of the school year, according to a new report.
The Times shared a piece on Thursday in which an email to parents was cited, with Donda Academy principal Jason Angell most notably informing them that the school “will close for the remainder of the 2022-2023 school year effective immediately.”
The move comes amid ongoing criticism and fallout spurred by a number of remarks made by Ye, both in interview settings and on social media, that have been widely called out as anti-Semitic. Unlike past controversies involving the artist, some longtime fans have also been more openly critical of Ye’s actions (and their immediate impact) this time around, including the “Ye da [G.OA.T.] no [cap]” guy.
Per the latest report, Angell’s email notes that the decision to close Donda Academy for the rest of the school year was made “at the discretion of our founder.” However, the current plan is for the school to “begin afresh” late next year.
“Our leadership team will be working diligently to assist all families during this transition, ensuring that every scholar has what they need to succeed in their next community in a prompt and gracious manner,” Angell’s email is reported to have said.
According to the school’s official site, the daily schedule for students included “full school worship,” core classes (i.e. math, science, and language arts), lunch, and recess. “Enrichment courses” are also listed as having been part of the curriculum, with offerings including classes on visual art and parkour.
News of Donda Academy’s (seemingly temporary) closure follows a prior report from TMZ revealing that the school’s basketball team had been removed from the Scholastic Play-by-Play Classics schedule in response to Ye’s recent actions.
Complex has reached out to Donda Academy for comment. This story may be updated.