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A Michigan teacher claims she was fired after a parent complained about her rapping on the side.
According to FOX 2, Domonique Brown, a former teacher at Taylor Preparatory High School, said a parent's complaint about her rap career in October led to months of meetings and her eventual termination.
Brown performs under the name "Drippin Honey" and posts singing videos on her YouTube Channel, which has roughly 3,500 subscribers.
After she was fired, Brown posted a music video called "Drippin 101," in which she sings and dances with some of her former students. The video includes a description of what unfolded after the parent complained about her side hustle.
Brown said she endured five months of meetings with school officials, defending her involvement in the music industry.
“What troubles me most about this situation is the lack of consideration for the impact and influence I have had on my students’ lives. My outside life should not be grounds for termination when it does not interfere with my ability to fulfill my responsibilities as a teacher,” Brown said in a statement. “My dedication, professionalism, and passion for education have always been unwavering, regardless of any personal pursuits I may have. It is worth noting that when I was hired as a teacher, my involvement in the music industry as a rapper did not hinder my candidacy.”
Brown said she's collected over 200 signatures of support from students and parents. She believes her termination was an act of discrimination and plans to take legal action against the school.
“Music is part of the culture. We’re from Motown; this is what we do. So it’s not like it’s unheard of, it’s the culture. When you look like me, you just understand it a little bit … better," Brown said.
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